Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2026.

This appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Divisions of Early Learning and Development and Services for the Developmentally Disabled provides enhancements to the FY 2026 maintenance budget and adjustments to the FY 2025 appropriation. For FY 2026 this bill includes funding for two enhancements, along with population forecast adjustments, a Governor's initiative for the Idaho Child Care Program, and the adjustment to move Extended Employment Services from the Services for the Developmentally Disabled Division. Enhancements include funding for year three of the START Certification and funding for the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) in the Early Learning and Development Division. In addition to this appropriation, this bill also includes $14 million for the Governor's initiative to utilize existing, previously unspent federal funds for the Idaho Child Care Program, to aid in building supply through contracted spots, grants, and subgrants, with a specific focus on addressing underserved populations. This bill includes sections of language providing guidance on federal funding limitations, directing the department's uses of the $14 million provided for the ICCP. This bill does not include $1 million that was recommended by the Governor to modernize the Idaho Child Care Check system.