JFAC approves multiple supplemental and FY2026 budget changes; licensing review ordered, ombudsman funding fails in House

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee (JFAC) on Feb. 14 approved a package of supplemental appropriations and FY2026 budget adjustments covering military and public‑safety communications, hazardous‑materials response, agriculture pest control, veterans services and several agency staffing enhancements, while directing a review of the state licensing and certification program and failing to approve a $50,000 ombudsman pay increase after the House did not concur.

The actions, taken during JFAC’s meeting at the Idaho Statehouse, included multiple unanimous or near‑unanimous roll calls and several contested votes. Committee staff emphasized the link between policy bills and fiscal notes as the session proceeds. "These are, germane pieces of legislation that have a fiscal note," budget analyst Keith Bybee said while summarizing revenue and appropriation items on the general fund daily update.

Why this matters: JFAC’s approvals move money or authorize transfers that allow agencies to operate, complete projects and hire staff. Several items include one‑time appropriations that restore or expand operations now and enhancements that would take effect in fiscal year 2026, shaping next year’s agency budgets.

Key approvals and outcomes

Votes at a glance (motions taken during the meeting):

- Hazardous substance emergency response fund — one‑time reimbursement, $34,200: Moved by Senator Ward Engelking; seconded by Representative Petzke. Roll call recorded 20 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent/excused. Outcome: passed; due‑pass recommendation.

- Military division: public safety communications supplemental — one‑time appropriation $540,001 (to contract for installations, build four installation bays and purchase equipment): Moved by Senator Ward Engelking; seconded by Representative Handy. Roll call recorded 20 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent/excused. Outcome: passed; due‑pass recommendation.

- Military division: IT infrastructure upgrade for public safety communications — one‑time $759,200: Moved by Representative Petzke; seconded by Senator Ward Engelking. Roll call recorded a Senate vote of 9 aye, 1 nay; House unanimous; combined total 19 ayes, 1 nay, 0 absent/excused. Outcome: passed; due‑pass recommendation.

- Military division FY2026 enhancements (network administrator, IT alignment, replacement items, IT hardware, hazmat regional response equipment): Total net increase listed by staff as $9,117,100 (breakdown: $66,200 GF,…