JFAC approves behavioral‑health funding adjustments, orders review of CANS assessment

Lawmakers on the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a package of behavioral‑health supplemental appropriations and FY2026 enhancements tied to implementation of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (the state’s managed‑care arrangement for behavioral health services), while adopting language directing a review of the CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment and restrictions on certain program spending.

Analysts and legislators described a cluster of actions: - FY2025 supplemental appropriations: the committee approved one‑time federal and dedicated fund actions to allow providers and the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to expend previously appropriated grants whose periods expired during delays implementing the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan; the motion on the behavioral‑health contract implementation added $6,743,800 in federal funds to cover grants for the current year. It also approved a $2,663,500 one‑time general‑fund addition for…