JFAC approves library broadband and digital access grants, adopts restrictions on DEI spending

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved funding and several pieces of policy language affecting the Idaho Commission for Libraries after extended debate.

Funding: The committee approved a motion to provide $42,300 from the general fund for broadband reimbursement to eligible libraries and $1,231,000 in one‑time federal funds for the ‘‘Digital Access for All Idahoans’’ grant program (committee motion text and roll call reflect the final numbers). A substitute motion that would have provided $2,582,300 (including $2.5 million for digital access grants) failed on roll call (total 9 ayes, 11 nays). The successful original motion passed on final roll call with a combined total of 17 ayes and 3 nays across the two chambers.

ARPA reappropriation and telehealth: The committee unanimously approved reappropriation authority for the ARPA Capital Projects Fund to support telehealth facilities at local libraries. That motion passed by unanimous roll call in both chambers.

Policy language and DEI restriction: Members also debated and approved several language items. One piece requires the commission to designate an employee to confirm libraries adhere to Idaho Code section 18‑118‑1517 and coordinate with the Department of Education; that language passed on roll call (total 17 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent/excused). A separate, more contested instruction prohibits state‑appropriated funds from being used to support ‘‘any diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice ideology in any library sponsored activities’’ and requires a report to JFAC by Dec. 1. Senator Wintrow questioned whether the language would restrict libraries’ ability to serve populations enumerated in the digital grant (households below 150% poverty level, aging individuals, incarcerated individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, language minorities, rural residents); supporters said prior budgets with similar language had not prevented servicing those populations. That DEI restriction motion passed with a combined total of 15 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent/excused.

Committee members who supported funding emphasized services libraries provide — digital literacy classes, telehealth access, and computer access for veterans and seniors — and said federal funds can be shaped to meet Idaho priorities. Opponents raised statutory compliance and policy concerns. The motions do not change Idaho law but attach reporting and spending restrictions to the appropriations the committee controls.

The committee forwarded the funding and language items with due‑pass recommendations.