JFAC hears requests to access delayed federal IBHP funds, department asks for transfer exemptions

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 1 heard a presentation on the Division of Mental Health Services within the Department of Health and Welfare, including a supplemental request to allow the agency to access federal grants connected to the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) and a related request for exemptions to statutory program-transfer limits.

Analysts said the agency seeks a fiscal-year-2025 one-time federal appropriation of $6,700,000 to draw down federal grant money that was awarded after the IBHP went live in July 2024 but that the state lacks current appropriation authority to access. The agency also requested $261,400 in ongoing federal authority for operating costs tied to grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The request comes as staff described prior appropriations that increased community behavioral health capacity, including a $6,000,000 ongoing enhancement for community behavioral health clinics and several one-time increases (including $3,000,000 for community mental health and $4,400,000 to support the…