JFAC advances a slate of supplemental appropriations and FY2026 enhancements

BOISE, Feb. 14, 2025 — The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee advanced a series of supplemental appropriations and FY2026 enhancement requests on Feb. 14, approving measures that fund hazardous‑materials response work, public‑safety communications upgrades, veterans‑home construction reappropriation authority, agricultural pest control reimbursements and staffing additions at several state regulatory agencies.

Why it matters: The votes set the fiscal framework that will be considered by the full Legislature and, in some cases, authorize transfers of existing emergency or federal grant funds to pay for equipment, personnel and capital work. Several actions will move state support for public‑safety communications and hazardous‑materials regional response forward this calendar year.

Key outcomes (votes summarized): - Hazardous substances emergency response: Approved a one‑time appropriation and transfer of $34,200 from the general fund to the Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Fund to reimburse fiscal‑year 2024 cleanup costs. Motion by Sen. Ward Engelking; seconded by Rep. Petzke. Vote: 20 ayes, 0 nays (passed). (Transcript: Frances Lippitt introduced the deficiency warrant; motion begins at 754.81 and passage recorded at 847.815.)

- Military division — public safety communications supplemental: Approved a one‑time appropriation of $540,001 from the general fund to support contracting for installation work, build‑out of four installation bays and equipment so Idaho State Police vehicles can be operational by year end. Motion by Sen. Ward Engelking; seconded by Rep. Handy. Vote: 20 ayes, 0 nays (passed). (Intro at 849.975; motion and roll at 896.02–1001.10.)

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