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Committee sends SCR 115 to floor to consolidate Soil and Water Conservation Commission into IDWR
Summary
SCR 115, supported by the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and explained by Sen. Harris, would consolidate the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources, eliminate the Soil Commission director position, and save an estimated $107,000 in personnel costs; the committee voted do‑pass and will send the resolution to the Senate floor.
BOISE — The Senate Resources & Environment Committee on Feb. 4 voted to send SCR 115 to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation. The concurrent resolution supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
Sen. Harris said SCR 115 aligns with statewide efforts to review policy and agency structure, including Executive Order 2025‑06 and the Idaho Code Cleanup Act. The resolution would preserve both entities’ core missions while removing the Soil Commission director position; the Fiscal Note attached to the measure estimated $107,000 in personnel savings.
Tori O'Neil, president of the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, testified in favor, saying district members were broadly engaged in developing the language and that the districts had reached consensus to support consolidation. Mat Weaver, director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources and acting administrator of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission since May 2025, did not take a position but confirmed extensive stakeholder engagement and said he would provide a fuller presentation to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on March 10.
Sen. Cook moved to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation; Sen. Taylor seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The resolution will appear on the Senate floor calendar and is slated for further committee and informational briefings described by IDWR staff.
