Bill > S1209

This bill appropriates funds to Idaho's public higher education institutions for fiscal year 2026, with several key provisions beyond standard funding. The bill increases appropriations to Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and the University of Idaho from various funding sources, including general and endowment funds, totaling approximately $7.2 million. However, it also reduces appropriations by $4,057,800 from the General Fund, with $2 million each from Boise State University and the University of Idaho, and an additional $57,800 reduction for the University of Idaho. The bill mandates several significant policy directives: Idaho State University will lead negotiations regarding the potential acquisition of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) with legislative oversight, $1 million is allocated to the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute to encourage water-related research, the State Board of Education must develop an outcomes-based funding model for higher education to replace the current enrollment-based model, and the Legislative Audits Division will conduct diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) audits of all four public universities to ensure compliance with state code. The bill includes provisions allowing one-time budget reductions to be restored in future budget submissions and declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon the start of fiscal year 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice

Finance Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1209/