JFAC approves $8.69 million in State Public Defender supplementals and $32.38 million FY26 enhancements amid transition concerns

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 24 approved several supplemental appropriations and a larger FY2026 enhancement package for the Office of the State Public Defender, actions the committee framed as funding and operational adjustments tied to a recent Idaho Supreme Court ruling and the statewide transition of indigent defense responsibilities.

What the committee approved - Child Protective Act alignment: The committee approved a one‑time addition of $2,500,000 from the Public Defense Fund to align appropriations with a cash transfer authorized under Idaho Code section referenced in the transcript. The motion, moved by Representative Manwaring and seconded by Senator Cook, passed on combined roll calls (8 Senate ayes/2 nays; 7 House ayes/3 nays) for a total of 15 ayes and 5 nays. The committee recorded the due‑pass recommendation.

- Transcript costs: Following an Idaho Supreme Court decision in State v. Blasek, which the analysts said requires the State of Idaho to pay all transcript costs effective in the current fiscal year, the committee approved $390,200 one‑time from the general fund to cover court‑ordered transcripts and appeals. That supplemental passed unanimously (20 ayes, 0 nays).

- Personn…