JFAC approves juvenile corrections increases for treatment and radio upgrades; reduces seven FTPs for IT modernization

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 7 approved enhancements for the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections that include a one-time radio-system upgrade, ongoing funding for substance use disorder residential treatment and IT modernization adjustments that reduce seven full-time positions. Noah Peterson, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the committee the department requested a $380,000 one-time radio-system upgrade, $300,000 ongoing for substance use disorder (SUD) residential treatment and $145,100 from dedicated funds for replacement items. Peterson also identified an IT modernization initiative that redistributes personnel funding into operating accounts and moves seven FTPs to the Office of Information Technology Services as a net-zero transfer. Senator Wintrow moved the package and Representative Manwaring seconded. The motion passed with a combined committee vote of 15 ayes and 5 nays; the motion will carry a due-pass recommendation. The motion included a net-$0 budgetary impact for the IT modernization piece (personnel reductions offset by operating additions), and committee members described the SUD residential-treatment funding as ongoing general-fund support to expand residential treatment capacity for youth committed to the department.