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LSO: Idaho Code limits use of Budget Stabilization Fund; half the balance may be used in a fiscal year

Senate Health & Welfare Committee · January 29, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Keith Bybee told the committee Idaho Code Sections 57-814 and 57-814A govern the Budget Stabilization Fund and that, while §57-814 does not identify a specific trigger, only half the fund's balance may be used in a single fiscal year and use requires legislative action.

Senator Zuiderveld asked for legal guidance on the use of the state's Budget Stabilization Fund. Keith Bybee responded by citing Idaho Code Sections 57-814 and 57-814A and explained the practical constraints: "Idaho Code § 57-814 does not describe a specific situation or scenario when the fund could be used. However, if used, only half of the balance can be used in one fiscal year and would require a legislative action," he said.

Bybee's explanation framed the committee's options for reserves: while the statute limits the annual draw to half the balance and requires legislative approval, the transcript shows members still debating whether to draw on reserves or search for structural spending changes. The committee did not vote on using the stabilization fund at this meeting.