Idaho State University says forensic pathology funds will be returned; legislative audit under way

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho State University will return funds tied to a proposed Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center and the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard Jan. 29 that a legislative audit has been requested as the Legislature and the university review what happened.

Legislative Services Office analyst Kevin Campbell told the committee a public report about the matter is online and an audit is “just now in process.” ISU President Rob Wagner said the university discovered last fall that plans had shifted and that ISU staff will take steps to improve tracking and accountability for legislative appropriations.

The issue surfaced during the university budget presentation. Campbell told the committee staff had gathered facts and posted a report so the panel and the public could review the record. “An audit is being requested and is just now in process to make sure that no lines were crossed,” Campbell said.

Representative Joe Manwaring (R‑Pocatello) and other committee members pressed Wagner on the university’s response. Wagner said ISU is grateful to have been recognized by the Legislature for the forensic pathology project and that the original plan was for ISU to house the lab on the Pocatello campus with academic benefits for health‑science students. Wagner said that, after ISU spent a small amount on a consultant to evaluate campus facilities, the county decided it no longer wanted a campus facility and an MOU was used to transfer remaining funds to the county.

“I believe Idaho State University should have kept those funds. We should have been responsible for those funds,” Wagner told the committee. He said ISU will strengthen procedures to identify ownership of legislative funds, track them more clearly and establish invoicing and other protocols so legislative intent is honored going forward.

A committee member thanked Wagner for confirming that the funds will be returned to the state. Campbell said the report and background materials are online and available to members and the public. The committee did not take a formal vote on the matter during the hearing; Campbell said the audit and any follow‑up would determine next steps.

Why it matters: Appropriation language represents the Legislature’s direction; committee members repeatedly emphasized that “appropriation law is law.” The path of those funds, how they were spent or transferred, and the audit’s findings could affect future oversight and whether the Legislature changes reporting or management requirements for appropriations to higher education institutions.

The committee’s staff report and the announced audit will be the principal sources of evidence as the Legislature considers whether administrative or statutory changes are needed to secure future appropriations.

— Reporting for the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee hearing, Jan. 29, 2025.