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JFAC approves Idaho State Police supplemental housing and broader ISP budget adjustments
Summary
The committee approved a $268,100 supplemental for a remote trooper housing unit in Fairfield and a larger set of FY2026 adjustments for Idaho State Police that include personnel shifts, equipment replacement, a digital‑forensics transfer and a 6% targeted pay increase for commissioned and forensics staff.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a supplemental appropriation to purchase a remote housing unit for Idaho State Police and then approved a broader FY2026 package of ISP budget adjustments covering personnel, equipment and IT needs.
The remote housing supplemental, requested for a unit to be placed on a foundation in Fairfield, was adopted as a one‑time general‑fund addition for fiscal 2025. Later the committee approved a larger, agency‑wide motion that shifted some funding sources, added and moved full‑time positions between programs, funded an ILADS disaster‑recovery database, and added a targeted 6% salary increase for commissioned officers and forensic staff.
Why it matters: The housing unit is intended to support trooper deployment in areas with few housing options. The broader package funds ongoing forensic and investigations work, transfers digital‑forensics personnel into the forensics program, and authorizes vehicle and equipment replacement — items that affect ISP operations statewide.
Key votes and actions
- Remote housing unit (FY2025 supplemental): The committee approved $268,100 from the general fund to purchase a remote housing unit for placement in Fairfield. The motion carried with combined committee tallies reported in the transcript as 17 ayes, 2 nays, and 2 absent/excused.
- ISP FY2026 package (consolidated motion by Senator Woodward): The committee approved multiple ISP enhancements, including converting part‑time fleet positions to full time, adding staff for special investigations into crimes at IDOC facilities, a forensic deputy lab manager position, a shift of $5,205,800 from the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund to the general fund for FY2026, a $233,000 request for an ILADS disaster‑recovery database, vehicle and body‑armor replacement items totaling $5,090,700, IT hardware (approx. $942,800), and a targeted 6% salary increase for commissioned officers and forensic personnel. The motion passed with a combined vote of 18 ayes, 1 nay and 1 absent/excused.
- Post Academy: The Post Academy Division within ISP received approval to convert a technical‑records position from part time to full time (0.33 FTE), replacement vehicles and OIT hardware; the motion passed and the committee approved language directing a working group to report on post‑training needs.
What the committee discussed
Analysts said plans for the Fairfield housing unit changed after the original budget submission and that ISP notified the Division of Financial Management and LSO in December of the change of plans. Members noted this housing supplemental and the larger package follow several years of funding shifts and that some elements (for example the highway distribution fund shift) were part of a multiyear plan.
Clarifying details
- Fairfield remote housing unit: $268,100 one time from the general fund; unit will be placed on a foundation (motion text). - ISP replacement items: $5,090,700, chiefly for vehicles and personal protective equipment (body armor, firearms) and other maintenance supplies. - ILADS disaster recovery database: $233,000 ongoing to maintain ILETS disaster recovery. - Personnel: Several FTE adjustments across programs with net reduction of 8 FTEs overall in the main motion but targeted additions for special investigations and forensics transfers.
Proper names and entities
Idaho State Police; Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC); ILADS (ILETS disaster recovery database); Post Academy; Idaho Law Enforcement Fund.
Meeting context and next steps
Committee members agreed to the requests after analysts explained the operational need and changes since the FY26 budget submission. The adopted motions give ISP spending authority and direction on personnel alignment; ISP will implement the changes and report as required by appropriation conditions.
Ending
The committee’s approvals supply ISP with both one-time and ongoing resources to support trooper deployment, forensic capacity and investigative activity.
