Bill > S1208

This bill provides appropriations and authorizations for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Youth Safety and Permanency for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Specifically, the bill allocates funding from both state (Cooperative Welfare General Fund) and federal sources for youth safety programs, personnel costs, operating expenses, and foster and assistance payments. The legislation increases full-time equivalent positions by 63 for the division, with 8 of those positions directly tied to achieving a one-to-one ratio of foster families to foster children by January 1, 2026. The bill requires the department to submit detailed reports on foster care system progress and mandates that if the desired foster family-to-child ratio is not met, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee may consider removing funding and positions. Additionally, the bill includes provisions restricting federal funding transfers, requiring the agency to notify legislative services of significant funding changes, and ensuring that state funds do not automatically replace reduced federal funds without legislative approval. The bill declares an emergency for certain sections, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025, allowing immediate implementation of key funding and staffing changes for youth safety and foster care programs.

Budget and Finance, Justice

Finance Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1208/