ISU officials tell JFAC forensic-lab funds will be returned; university pledges tighter controls

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho State University officials told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Wednesday that the university will return funds that had been appropriated for an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology laboratory and that an audit of the matter is underway.

The disclosure came as Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, gave JFAC an overview of ISU’s FY2026 budget request and other financial details. “This morning, I’m starting your day with an overview of Idaho State University’s budget, including their FY 2026 budget request,” Campbell said. President Rob Wagner told the committee he had reviewed the transactions and communications and concluded the university should have retained closer control of the appropriation. “I believe Idaho State University should have kept those funds. We should have been responsible for those funds,” Wagner said.

The matter traces to a prior plan for a forensic pathology facility that would have been located on ISU’s Pocatello campus and that…