JFAC approves Department of Lands FY2026 enhancements including firefighter bonuses, equipment and three FTEs

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a package of FY2026 enhancements for the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) that adds staff, equipment and one‑time bonuses for firefighters.

Senator Woodward offered the motion for the FY2026 JFAC program maintenance and enhancements; Representative Manwaring seconded. The committee approved an additional $2,061,200 from the General Fund and $4,744,800 from dedicated funds for a combined $6,806,000 and three additional full‑time equivalent positions. The roll call showed a combined committee vote of 19 ayes and 1 nay; the motion will carry a due‑pass recommendation to the full Legislature.

Analyst Janet Jessup walked committee members through enhancement line items that included funding for a fire emergency support program manager, a fire aviation section manager, a statewide forest assessment program manager, fire detection cameras ($458,000), fire equipment ($729,800), replacement of the fire burn permit system ($120,000), statewide security upgrades ($500,000), GIS enhancements, fleet and facilities items, satellite fire detection and mapping services ($150,000 as recommended) and other replacement items. The motion as adopted included three new FTPs and a mixture of one‑time and ongoing funding.

Members highlighted the $1.25M earmarked for one‑time bonuses for IDL and Timber Protective Association firefighters. Representative Gallavese said the bonus covers “upwards of 350 firefighters” who worked long shifts during wildfire season; Ms. Jessup noted that Director Miller reported approximately 300 individuals received bonuses last year. Representative Manwaring and other members expressed thanks to frontline firefighters for long seasonal deployments.

Committee discussion also noted that the action should boost the fire fund balance but that a wildfire season on par with last year (about $60 million in suppression costs) could still require the department to use the deficiency warrant process to cover excess costs. The adopted enhancements carry standard conditions, limitations and restrictions language included in committee materials.

Next steps: The due‑pass recommendation will move with the other budget items to the Legislature’s floor process. The Department of Lands will implement the additions and monitor fund balances as the summer fire season progresses.

(Details in committee motion and packet: $2,061,200 General Fund; $4,744,800 dedicated funds; total $6,806,000; +3.0 FTE.)