JFAC approves multiple agency budget actions including $8.6 million hazmat transfer; ombudsman funding fails in House

BOISE — The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) on Feb. 14 approved a package of supplemental and fiscal year 2026 budget actions affecting the military division, veterans services, agriculture, finance, insurance, and several education and health programs, while a proposal to fund a new Health and Social Services ombudsman failed to gain a House majority.

The most consequential single transaction was a motion to transfer $8.6 million from the state emergency relief fund into the miscellaneous revenue fund to equip hazardous materials regional response teams housed at local fire departments. The transfer was approved by the committee after a roll call that produced 19 ayes and 1 nay (Senate: 9–1; House: unanimous), and will be carried forward with a due-pass recommendation to the full legislature.

Why it matters: JFAC’s actions move executive and departmental requests closer to final appropriation. As budget analyst Keith Bybee told the committee, “I hope you're starting to see, for those of you new to the committee, the connection now between the policies that pass and then the obligation we have to the fiscal notes, if if they pass.” That connection underpinned much of the committee’s scrutiny of supplemental requests and FY2026 enhancements.

Key approvals and votes at a glance

- Hazardous substance emergency response deficiency: one-time transfer of $34,200 from the General Fund to the Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Fund; moved by Senator Ward Engelking, seconded by Rep. Petzke; passed unanimously, 20–0.

- Military division — public safety communications supplemental: one-time $540,001 from the General Fund to contract installation work and build four installation bays so Idaho State Police vehicles can be put into service; moved…