JFAC funds Idaho State Police package including remote housing and wage increases for troopers and forensics staff

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a set of Idaho State Police budget items on Wednesday that include a one‑time capital purchase for trooper housing, personnel changes, replacement equipment and a targeted pay increase for commissioned officers and forensic staff.

The committee approved a $268,100 supplemental for fiscal year 2025 to purchase a remote housing unit to be placed on a foundation in Fairfield. The house is intended to provide lodging for state troopers in areas with limited housing options.

In a larger FY2026 package, the committee approved multiple enhancements that together increased general fund authority and reallocated dedicated and federal funds across ISP programs. The package included:

- Fleet service modifications converting two part‑time positions to full‑time based on operational needs. - New positions for a special investigations unit (4 FTP) to handle investigations at correctional facilities transferred to the state in 2023. - One forensic deputy lab manager (1 FTP). - A $5,205,800 fund shift from the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund to the general fund (committee discussion noted this is the fifth and final year for that particular shift). - A targeted 6% salary increase for commissioned officers and forensic staff as part of recruitment and retention adjustments. - Replacement items (vehicles, body armor, firearms) and IT hardware recommended by the Office of Information Technology Services. - Transfers and reclassifications of digital forensic personnel between ISP divisions and a federal‑fund shift for one item.

Why it matters: The packet of changes affects ISP operations statewide, addresses staffing and equipment shortfalls raised by the agency, and includes pay adjustments intended to improve recruitment and retention for sworn and forensic positions.

Procedure and votes

- The one‑time supplemental for a Fairfield remote housing unit ($268,100, FY2025, general fund) passed on a recorded committee vote; Representative Miller declared a conflict of interest (residence in Fairfield) and was excused from that vote by unanimous consent.

- The larger FY2026 ISP package, which included fund shifts, personnel reallocations and the 6% targeted salary increase for commissioned and forensic staff, passed on a committee roll call; the consolidated motion recorded a committee‑level affirmative majority (18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent/excused across both panels).

Debate and context

Members discussed the multi‑year nature of some fund shifts and noted that the $5.2 million highway distribution fund shift represents the final year of a multi‑year approach to covering certain ISP costs. Senator Woodward, who presented the consolidated motion, said this reflects coordination among the work group and agency needs. Several members noted the practical need for remote housing in sparsely populated areas and the operational need to convert part‑time fleet positions to full time.

A department analyst, Noah Peterson, told the panel that the housing plan's placement in Fairfield had changed since the agency's original budget submission and that the governor had recommended the updated plan. Peterson also walked members through replacement item drivers, noting vehicles and body armor as the largest line‑item drivers.

Speakers quoted

Noah Peterson, budget and policy analyst, described the Fairfield housing plan change and item drivers for replacement equipment. Senator Woodward said the highway distribution fund shift is likely the last year the committee will see that particular funding arrangement for ISP.

Ending note

The approved package gives ISP authority and directed funding to proceed with plans and staffing changes the agency said are needed for operations across Idaho; committee members said they expect standard oversight and that the department will implement the approved fund shifts and personnel adjustments.