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JFAC directs Department of Labor to study state vs. federal disability determination costs
Summary
JFAC approved language March 20 requiring the Department of Labor to report on costs and benefits of administering disability determination services at the state level vs. the federal level; some members questioned the intent and potential outcomes.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 20 approved language asking the Idaho Department of Labor to report on the costs and benefits of administering disability determination services at the state level compared with the federal level.
Budget analyst Christopher Pre explained the correction to a typographical error in the draft language and said the study would analyze costs and benefits. Senator Wintrow raised objections, suggesting the state historically took over disability determinations decades ago and that the committee’s language appeared to ask whether the federal government should resume the determinations — a change she described as unlikely and of limited value.
Committee members debated whether the exercise would produce useful results, but after motion and second, the combined roll call showed 18 ayes and 2 nays and the motion passed; the committee will carry a due‑pass recommendation. The motion explicitly required a report, and the committee recorded reservations about whether the study would change existing practice.
