Bill > S1206

This bill appropriates funds to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2026, specifically focusing on the Division of Early Learning and Development and the Idaho Child Care Program. The bill provides $18,237,800 in federal funds for the Idaho Child Care Program, with $14,000,000 designated to expand licensed and non-licensed home-based child care, community child care, and after-school programs. The legislation reduces appropriations for the Division of Services for the Developmentally Disabled by $3,539,100 and reduces full-time equivalent positions by 3 in the Extended Employment Services program. The bill prohibits the department from using funds for building infrastructure and directs them to focus on short-term investments that can expand child care availability without creating ongoing public subsidies. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for federal funding restrictions, requiring the agency to notify legislative services of significant funding changes and preventing the automatic replacement of reduced federal funds with state money without legislative approval. The bill declares an emergency and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Justice

Finance Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1206/