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JFAC transfers $40 million to Idaho fire suppression fund; approves FY2026 Lands package including firefighter bonuses
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a $40 million, one-time transfer to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund for current-season costs and approved a FY2026 package for the Department of Lands that adds positions, fire cameras and equipment, and one‑time bonuses for wildland firefighters and Timber Protective Association personnel.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a one‑time transfer of $40,000,000 from the General Fund to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund to pay firefighting costs for the current season and passed a separate FY2026 spending package for the Department of Lands that adds staff, equipment and recruitment/retention payments for firefighters.
The $40 million transfer was moved by Representative Manwaring and seconded; the committee recorded a unanimous 20‑0 vote (Senate 10 ayes, House 10 ayes). Janet Jessup, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, told the committee the fund is a continuously appropriated account the department uses during fire season. Representative Manwaring said he expected the transfer “should bring the fire fund above $50,000,000,” and noted last year’s season cost was about $60,000,000.
Separately, the committee approved a FY2026 enhancement package for the Department of Lands. Senator Woodward moved the measure; Representative Manwaring seconded. The package adds three full‑time equivalent positions and combines general‑fund and dedicated‑fund spending for a total increase of $6,806,000 (approximately $2,061,200 general fund and $4,744,800 dedicated funds). The package includes funding for fire detection cameras, aircraft aviation management, a statewide forest assessment manager, replacement equipment, satellite fire detection and mapping, vehicle replacements, and Timber Protective Association (TPA) assessment and employee compensation adjustments. It also includes one‑time bonuses for IDL and Timber Protective Association firefighters.
Representative Gallavese noted the bonus pool covers “upwards of 350 firefighters” and thanked crews for long shifts during wildfire season. The enhancement package passed with a combined committee vote of 19 ayes, 1 nay.
Committee analysts said the Department of Lands spends from the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund on firefighting costs statewide and that the department retains authority to use deficiency warrants if costs exceed fund balances. Language associated with the Lands package on abandoned‑mines reclamation spending and standard conditions, limitations and restrictions was also adopted by unanimous consent.
The committee sent both items to the floor with due‑pass recommendations.
