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Committee advances bill to create Idaho 'DOGE' task force to review government efficiency
Summary
House Bill 364 would codify a legislative task force called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to review agency structure, regulation and budget accountability; the committee approved a due‑pass recommendation after hearing mixed public testimony.
Representative Jaren Crane introduced House Bill 364 to create a legislative task force — dubbed the Idaho Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force — to review state agencies, regulatory burdens and budget authorities and propose consolidation or other reforms.
Crane told the committee his review found roughly "189 state agencies" and numerous commissions and licensing boards; the bill would create a bipartisan legislative panel including three House members appointed by the Speaker, three Senate members appointed by the President Pro Tem and three legislative members from the joint finance and appropriations committee. Members would serve one‑year terms and the task force would operate until Nov. 30, 2029, unless reauthorized.
The task force may divide into subgroups focused on regulatory accountability, budget accountability and government operations and oversight; it may appoint up to two non‑legislative advisers and is required to meet at least twice a year. The bill also authorizes the task force to use technology, including artificial intelligence, to help identify inefficiencies.
Public testimony was mixed. Laura Miller of Meridian testified in opposition, calling the panel "redundant bureaucracy" and saying the measure would shift regulatory authority to statute and undermine agencies’ rulemaking. Billy Norp of Reddon and Jordan Redmond of Kootenai County testified in favor, citing potential savings and oversight opportunities; Redmond suggested JFAC and Doge could review Medicaid improper payments as an example of potential savings.
Representative Boyle moved that the committee recommend a due pass to the floor. The committee approved the motion on a voice vote.
The bill provides a structured, multi‑member legislative forum to identify agency redundancies and propose statutory or regulatory changes to streamline state government; the task force’s reports would be submitted to legislative staff (LSO) and could lead to proposed legislation.
