Idaho military division seeks supplemental funding for public‑safety communications, vehicle backlog and hazmat equipment

Major General Tim Donilon, the Adjutant General and commander of the Idaho National Guard, and legislative analysts told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Oct. 24 that the Military Division’s fiscal 2026 request includes supplemental funding aimed at clearing a vehicle backlog for public‑safety communications, establishing IT independence for public‑safety networks, and replacing two decades‑old hazardous‑materials equipment used by regional response teams.

Analyst Frances Lippett summarized the division’s request and the governor’s recommendations, describing a supplemental package that includes funding to install critical radio and communications equipment in 40 vehicles formerly held by Idaho State Police and help create additional installation bays, plus IT infrastructure and licensing to establish a separate, secure public‑safety communications network.

“ISP has been unable to use these vehicles without the critical communications equipment installed,” Lippett said, and the governor’s supplemental included both private‑contract work and construction to address the backlog.

Why it matters: installation backlogs affect the availability of patrol and enforcement vehicles; aging hazmat equipment raises safety and response…