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JFAC approves $40 million transfer to fire suppression fund and adopts Department of Lands FY2026 enhancements
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a one-time $40 million transfer from the General Fund to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund and approved FY2026 enhancements for the Department of Lands, including equipment, detection cameras and firefighter bonuses.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a one-time $40,000,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund and adopted a FY2026 package of enhancements for the Idaho Department of Lands.
The fire suppression transfer was moved by Representative Manwaring and seconded by Senator Woodward; the committee recorded a unanimous 20-0 vote (10 Senate, 10 House) and the motion carried with a due-pass recommendation. Committee staff said the transfer would move one-time General Fund dollars to the continuously appropriated Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund for statewide firefighting costs.
The committee then approved a separate FY2026 motion, moved by Senator Woodward and seconded by Representative Manwaring, adding a mix of General Fund and dedicated fund items for the Department of Lands. The motion adopted: additions of three full-time equivalent positions; $458,000 for fire detection cameras; $729,800 for fire equipment; $120,000 to replace the fire burn permit system; $500,000 for statewide security upgrades; dedicated-fund GIS enhancements and vehicle replacements; Timber Protective Association assessment adjustments; and a line described in the motion as one-time dedicated funds for replacement items and bonuses. The motion summary in the hearing states an additional $2,061,200 from the General Fund and $4,744,800 from dedicated funds for a total of $6,806,000 and three additional FTEs. The motion passed with a committee tally of 19 ayes, 1 nay.
Representative Gallavese commented that the firefighter bonus line covers "upwards of 350 firefighters" in his estimate; staff noted Director Miller reported about 300 individuals received bonuses last year. Committee members emphasized that the fund balance, after the $40 million transfer, should exceed $50 million but cautioned that a high-cost season (the committee referenced a season that cost about $60 million) could require use of the deficiency warrant process.
No statutory change was proposed in committee; the transfer and enhancement items move existing appropriations and dedicated funds into the fire fund and agency programs. The committee also adopted standard conditions, limitations and restrictions language associated with the motions.
The committee sent both items to the floor with due-pass recommendations.
Ending: The Department of Lands actions now head to the legislative floors with committee support; staff and members emphasized the continued risk of large fire seasons and the Department's authority to use the deficiency fund if costs exceed the available balance.
