January 19, 2026
Revenues, Conformity, Bills, and Deficit
2nd regular session, of the 68th Idaho Legislature – WEEK ONE
The second year of the 68th Legislative Session is underway. Revenue forecasts must be set, difficult budget decisions must be addressed, rules and regulations reviewed, and bills have already begun moving through the process. In short, the real work has begun, so let’s dive in.
Following the Governor’s State of the State address, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met over the next several days to hear agency presentations. I am sharing the link below so you can review those presentations for yourself.
Idaho is facing a budget deficit, so the Governor has directed agencies to revise their original FY 2027 budget requests to include an ongoing 3% reduction to the General Fund, and…..
After the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee sets the revenue forecast, hopefully on Monday, we can move forward and begin setting agency budgets. Last year, the committee was split, which delayed adoption of the revenue forecast and stalled the budget process.
Even though I did not vote for the motion that ultimately passed last year, this year I will vote to adopt the forecast so we can move forward and avoid repeating that gridlock. That allows us to get to the real work, doing some much-needed “DOGE” in committee by digging into maintenance budgets and identifying where waste can be cut.
We will also be voting on the conformity bill. If adopted, it will result in less revenue flowing to state government, but more money staying in the pockets of the people.
Additionally, we will be asked to vote on the Rural Health Transformation Program. This program relies on borrowed money, $925 million over five years, paid for by your great-great-great-grandchildren. Before moving forward, we must examine what strings are attached, how “rural” is being defined, and what happens after the five years are up and the money is gone. Will we once again be scrambling to figure out how state revenues will cover an ongoing program, just as we are now?
Week one produced eight bills and one resolution. The first bill introduced for 2026 raises serious concerns for me. (Read Bills HERE)
During the COVID pandemic, government strongly enforced mask mandates. Now, this bill proposes that if someone attempts to commit a crime while wearing a mask, they could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
That raises an important question: what does “attempt to commit” actually mean? Does this open the door for people to be accused based on appearances or assumptions rather than actions? Could someone be falsely accused simply because another person believed they were “attempting” something?
I would genuinely like your input. Please read the bill (HERE) and share your thoughts.
I also want to point out that our judicial system is already overwhelmed, and our jails are overcrowded, with inmates sleeping on the floor. Will the unintended consequences of this bill result in innocent people being accused, more taxpayer dollars spent fighting cases in court, and further pressure to expand jail facilities?
What say you?
To follow, see our calendars, watch committees live click HERE
To learn more about the budget read the 851 Budget Book HERE
