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Idaho State University to return forensic pathology funds; president pledges stronger controls
Summary
Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that ISU will return remaining funds tied to an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology lab after determining accountability lapses and that the university will tighten tracking and ownership of legislative appropriations.
Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that ISU will return remaining funds allocated for an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology laboratory and is instituting stronger controls after discovering gaps in how those appropriations were tracked.
The committee first announced an inquiry into the planned lab at the start of the hearing, and Legislative Services Office analyst Kevin Campbell said staff prepared a public report and that a formal audit was being requested. "Doctor Campbell was asked to prepare a report to try and gather the facts for this regarding that issue," the committee chair said during opening remarks introducing the matter.
Wagner told lawmakers that the appropriation originally intended for a pathology lab to be housed on ISU's Pocatello campus became subject to multiple parties' decisions and communications. "I believe Idaho State University should have kept those funds. We should have been responsible for those funds," Wagner said, describing steps the university will take going forward to identify ownership of legislative funds and strengthen accountability lines.
Wagner said late in 2023 the county partner decided a campus facility was no longer desirable and that ISU had expended a small portion of the appropriation for a consultant before an MOU transferred remaining funds to the county. He told the committee the university will put protocols in place so "this body and the Idaho State Legislature can trust us as an institution to follow your intent."
A committee co‑chair emphasized legislative intent and oversight in response, saying the university's commitments were welcome and adding that "appropriation law is law, it's not a suggestion." The committee has posted the analysts' report online and requested an audit to determine whether any lines were crossed.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the matter during the hearing. Members asked Wagner and staff to provide follow‑up details and documentation; Wagner said ISU had already begun internal steps to ensure future compliance and transparency.
Why this matters: The item centers on the use and stewardship of legislative appropriations and whether funds were handled in accordance with legislative intent. The committee requested an audit and the university has committed to returning unspent funds or otherwise following the legislature's direction.
What's next: The Legislative Services Office report is available online and an audit has been requested. ISU leaders told the committee they will provide additional documentation and that new internal tracking protocols will be implemented.
