Bill > S1344

This bill mandates that all programs and services offered by the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), along with any funding allocated to them, must have explicit authorization within Idaho law, meaning they must be specifically created or permitted by statute. The bill revises existing laws to clarify the duties of the DHW Director and the powers of the department, emphasizing that any action taken must be authorized by Idaho Code. It also requires the DHW to submit a report by December 1, 2026, to legislative committees detailing all its programs and the specific laws that authorize them. Furthermore, the bill amends provisions related to appropriation acts, ensuring that an appropriation itself does not create or imply authorization for a program or service; such authorization must exist independently in Idaho Code. Finally, the bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, to ensure these new requirements are implemented promptly.

Health and Social Services, Justice

Judiciary and Rules Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1344/