JFAC approves several agency budget changes; multiple items pass with due‑pass recommendations

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 7 approved several program transfers and appropriations across state agencies during its FY 2026 budget review. Motions carried with due‑pass recommendations and recorded roll calls as noted below.

Department of Commerce: The committee approved a net‑zero program transfer that moves 1 full‑time position and $140,900 into the broadband office and removes the same from another Commerce program. The motion, moved by Representative Handy and seconded by Senator Bierke, passed unanimously on a 20‑0 roll call (10‑0 House; 10‑0 Senate) and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

Department of Juvenile Corrections: The committee approved enhancements including a $380,000 dedicated funds radio‑system upgrade (one‑time), $300,000 ongoing general fund for substance use disorder residential treatment, replacement items totaling $145,100, and an IT modernization reclassification that reduces 7 FTP and moves funds from personnel to operating for a net zero personnel budget impact. The motion passed with a combined committee tally of 15 ayes and 5 nays and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

Department of Correction (Management Services Division): The committee approved a package that included a $1,000,000 ongoing recidivism case management software enhancement, $668,100 for transparency software, IT replacement and hardware items totaling roughly $1.5 million (as recommended by IT services), and $85,000 ongoing for a governor’s initiative to support a special assistant U.S. Attorney in Northern Idaho. The motion passed with a combined tally of 15 ayes and 5 nays and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

These motions were procedural budget votes that moved agency requests and suggested enhancements to the next legislative steps; specific appropriation language and final enacted amounts will be set as the legislature finalizes FY 2026 budgets.