JFAC approves trailer appropriations to implement SB1148 commissioner pay increases

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved three trailer appropriations implementing the salary increases required by Senate Bill 1148 for commissioners at the Public Utilities Commission, the Industrial Commission and the State Tax Commission.

Analyst Kellen McGurkin briefed the committee that SB1148 amended Idaho statutes to provide a cost‑of‑employment change for those commissioners. The committee adopted separate appropriations for each agency to fund the salary and associated benefit increases, with the combined increases totaling roughly $39,300 across the three agencies.

The motions and recorded outcomes were: an $11,800 dedicated‑fund appropriation for the Public Utilities Commission; a $15,700 total appropriation for the State Tax Commission (composed of $13,000 general fund and $2,700 dedicated funds); and an $11,800 dedicated‑fund appropriation for the Industrial Commission. Committee roll calls recorded affirmative majorities on each motion, and the chair announced due‑pass recommendations to carry the appropriations forward for legislative consideration.

Committee members noted that statute requires separate action to extend equivalent cost‑of‑employment changes to these commissioners, and that these appropriations implement that statutory change.