Idaho Insurance director cites wildfire impact on homeowners, PBM oversight and reinsurance tools; seeks targeted staff, equipment and mitigation pool

The Idaho Department of Insurance asked the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee for targeted staffing, compensation adjustments and replacement equipment while describing pressure on the property insurance market from recent wildfires and broader market forces.

Director Dean Cameron said the department seeks one staff actuary (budgeted at $201,900, including $198,900 ongoing) to conduct actuarial reviews of rates and product offerings; a regulatory compliance specialist to serve as an internal legal resource (the agency proposed a pay rate of $41.03 per hour, 80% of policy for pay grade O); an ongoing compensation increase of $48,100 from the Arson, Fire and Fraud Prevention Fund to raise pay for the state fire marshal, chief deputy and deputies; and $162,200 in one‑time capital outlay split across fire turnouts ($10,000), cameras ($16,200) and two medium‑duty pickup trucks equipped with canopies and bed slides ($136,000).