Idaho Bills

Appropriates $7,825,800 to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 66; and provides legislative intent.

This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) for $7,825,800 in dedicated funds with full-time equivalent positions capped at sixty-six (66). It includes $68,700 in benefit cost increases, $305,100 for replacement items, a reduction of $7,600 for statewide cost allocation, $117,900 for an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of agency heads, and $141,500 for the cost of the 27th payroll that will occur in FY 2017 for all state agencies using a bi-weekly payroll. Payroll costs accrue, but are unpaid at the rate of one day per year for ten years, to be paid out in the eleventh year. This amount is calculated using FY 2016 payroll costs. The bill also includes one additional FTP and $50,900 for a new administrative assistant position. The funds will cover the personnel costs needed to support the agency's Deputy Attorney General, as well as other management staff.

Appropriates and transfers $8,000,000 from the General Fund to the Legislative Legal Defense Fund in fiscal year 2016.

This bill appropriates $8 million from the General Fund and transfers it to the Legislative Legal Defense Fund in fiscal year 2016. The Legislative Legal Defense Fund is authorized in §67-451A and is for any necessary legal expenses of the Legislature as determined by the President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House. The Legislative Legal Defense Fund is continuously appropriated and since the creation of the fund in 2013 the Legislature has appropriated a total of $1,250,000.

Appropriates $1,808,200 to the Division of Human Resources for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 12; provides legislative intent; and provides guidance on employee compensation.

This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Division of Human Resources for $1,808,200 in dedicated funds with full-time equivalent positions capped at twelve (12). It includes $12,700 in benefit cost increases,areductionof$1,700instatewidecostallocation,$29,700foranongoing3%merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of agency heads, and $34,700 for the cost of the 27th payroll that will occur in FY 2017 for all state agencies using a bi-weekly payroll. Payroll costs accrue, but are unpaid at the rate of one day per year for ten years, to be paid out in the eleventh year. This amount is calculated using FY 2016 payroll costs. The appropriation also includes two sections of intent language that are summarized as follows: 1. The Governor issued an Executive Order in 2011 and it states that the Division of Human Resources shall enter into an agreement with the Division of Career Technical Education for the authority to train certain state employees on human resource-related topics applicable to all state agencies, including, but not limited to, supervision of employees, employee evaluations, dispute resolution and stress management. In order to meet the obligations of the Executive Order, approximately $200,000 in funds are expended by the Division of Human Resources annually and the funds are included in the FY 2017 budget amount of $1,808,200. 2. The CEC Committee has stated that it is the intent of the Legislature to progress toward the goal of funding a competitive salary and benefit package that will attract qualified applicants, retain employees committed to public service excellence, motivate employees to maintain high standards of productivity, and reward employees for outstanding performance. Consequently, the Division of Human Resources shall leave the current salary structure in place for FY 2017 and continue the job classifications that are currently on pay line exception to address specific employ

Appropriates an additional $1,638,700 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2016.

IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT- Appropriates an additional $104,586,700 to the Idaho Transportation Department for fiscal year 2016.

Appropriates an additional $1,808,100 to the Department of Labor for the State Longitudinal Data System, a fraud prevention award, and other activities for fiscal year 2016.

Appropriates an additional $1,300,000 to the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2016.

This bill provides a one-time FY 2016 supplemental appropriation to the Secretary of State for operating expenditures in the amount of $1,300,000 from the General Fund. These funds will be used solely for grants to counties in order for them to make upgrades to their voting systems. Any remaining unexpended and unencumbered amounts not so used will revert to the General Fund.

Reduces the General Fund appropriation to the Idaho State Police by $16,400 for fiscal year 2016; and appropriates and transfers up to $16,400 from the General Fund to the Federal Grant Fund for fiscal year 2016.

Changes the fiscal year 2016 appropriation to the Department of Agriculture for a net increase of $2,014,500; and authorizes one additional position.

Appropriates an additional $484,900 to the Department of Water Resources for fiscal year 2016.

Appropriates an additional $1,000,000 to the State Board of Education's Special Programs for the Scholarships and Grants Program for fiscal year 2017.

Appropriates an additional $5,000,000 to the Department of Lands for fiscal year 2017; provides fiscal year 2016 reappropriation for the Forest Legacy Program; appropriates an additional $2,000,000 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017; and provides legislative intent.

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) is a federal program that supports state efforts to protect environmentally sensitive forests through the use of conservation easements. This bill provides the appropriation to the Department of Lands and the Department of Fish and Game to purchase the Clagstone Meadows conservation easement in Bonner County. The Clagstone Meadows Forest Legacy project is composed of over 13,000 acres of contiguous private forest land. The landowner, Stimson Lumber Company, wishes to sell the development rights, valued at $12.6 million, to keep the land in timber production in perpetuity. This transaction willhelpprotecttheregion'sdrinkingwater; protectwetlands; maintainhabitatforelk,deer,moose, bear, forestgrouse, waterfowlandavarietyofnativespecies; retainlocaltimberjobs; andallowfor non-motorized public access to private property. The landowner will donate 25% of the value or $3.125 million, the USDA awarded $5.5 million through the Idaho Department of Lands, the Trust for Public Lands will raise $2 million, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will contribute $2 million to complete the transaction. IDFG's portion is from federal Pittman Robertson moneys generated from the sale or exchange of other properties and unobligated moneys. Legislative Intent is included regarding the purpose of the appropriation, regarding public access, and regarding property tax valuation. In summary: 1) The landowner commits to a non-development strategy and provides perpetual public access easements to be held by the state of Idaho. 2) The landowner will retain ownership of the property and will continue to manage the timber resources into perpetuity. 3) The landowner will cooperate with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game on management actions and for public accessforrecreationandhunting. 4)Thelandownerisfreetoselltheproperty, butnottosubdivide or construct residences, and the easement will carry forward to subsequent landowners.

Appropriates $17,154,500 to Special Programs under the State Board of Education for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 42.13; provides for the transfer of any unexpended and unencumbered General Fund moneys to the Opportunity Scholarship Program Account at the end of fiscal year 2016; and provides legislative intent on the level of services by the Geological Survey Program in eastern Idaho.

Appropriates $104,070,300 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 558.

Appropriates an additional $55,839,00 to the Idaho Transportation Department for fiscal year 2016; appropriates $655,885,100 for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 1,678; expresses legislative intent for continuously appropriated funds; authorizes the transfer of moneys to the Tourism and Promotion Fund; provides reappropriation authority for dedicated funds; provides reappropriation authority for airport development grants; authorizes a transfer of funds for debt service; provides a cash transfer to the GARVEE Debt Service Fund; and provides a cash transfer to the Local Highway Trust Fund.

This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Idaho Transportation Department for $354,476,100 in dedicated funds and $301,409,000 in federal funds for a total of $655,885,100. It also includes supplemental appropriations for FY 2016 in the amount of $55,839,000. The FY 2017 budget includes a full-time equivalent position cap of 1,678. This bill includes $1,770,200 for an increased cost of benefits, $285,300 for inflation, $26,100,000 for replacement items, $787,200 for statewide cost allocation, $8,361,100 for the annualization of the funds raised in H312, $3,132,300 for an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees, and $3,640,000 for the 27th payroll. This bill funds also funds 12 line items: 1. $28,637,400 in increased funding over FY 2016 for the roads. Funding comes from revenues accumulating in excess of forecast and other sources. 2. $327,400 to purchase highway operations equipment. 3. $8,000 for seven computer workstations and one touchscreen testing workstation for the county DMV offices. 4. through 8. A total of $1,364,900 for IT-related licenses, equipment, and software to enhance security and storage of the department's data. 9. A fund shift of $1,611,200 from the federal State Highway Fund to the dedicated State Highway Fund in capital outlay to align the department's FY 2017 appropriation to the projected level of funding available to the division by fund source. 10. A fund shift of $1,488,100 from the dedicated State Highway Fund to the federal State Highway Fund in order to properly align appropriation to the projected level of federally reimbursed personnel costs in FY 2017 and forward. 11. and 12. A total of $6,814,800 in dedicated and federal fund appropriations related to the new federal transportation authorization entitled the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The Act reauthorizes U.S. Department of Transportation programs and provides increased federal funding for highway transportation and

Appropriates $2,160,500 to the Executive Office of the Governor for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 22; and exempts appropriation object and program transfer limitations.

This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Executive Office of the Governor. The Office received an additional $22,700 for increased employer costs of benefits, an increase of $1,700 for statewide cost allocation, and $45,800 for an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of the agency head. Also included is $1,700 for the elected officials pay increase effective in January 2017, and $56,600 for the 27th Payroll. The Governor's Office appropriation for FY 2017 is an increase of 6.3% from the General Fund, has 22 authorized FTP, and includes lump sum authority.

Appropriates $12,707,600 to the Division of Building Safety for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 126.

This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Division of Building Safety in the amount of $12,707,600 with full-time equivalent positions capped at 126. This budget includes funding for benefit cost increases, statewide cost allocation, a 3% CEC, and the 27th pay period. The 3% CEC is a merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of each director. The budget also includes $18,600 for contract inflation for rent. Additionally, this bill includes funding for replacement items which include computers, monitors, printers, and ten vehicles. Finally, this budget includes 4 line items. Line item 1 restores 4 FTP and provides appropriation to purchase equipment for the new employees. Salaries and benefits will be paid with existing resources. Line item 2 provides an additional FTP and $1,100 to purchase office equipment. Again, salary and benefits will be paid with existing resources. Line item 3 will provide for workstation cubicles and tenant improvements. Line item 4 provides for new equipment including offsite storage for database equipment, VOIP telephones, network switches and additional software. Overall, this budget is a 11.6% increase over the FY 2016 original appropriation.

Appropriates an additional $80,000 to the Board of Dentistry for fiscal year 2016; appropriates an additional $21,100 to the Board of Pharmacy for fiscal year 2016; and authorizes an additional position to the Board of Pharmacy.

This is a fiscal year 2016 supplemental appropriation for the Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Dentistry. Board of Dentistry: This bill provides an additional $80,000 one-time for the procurement of a new licensing system. The current system is contractually set to expire in September 2016. This supplemental appropriation will allow the board to purchase and test a new system before the completion of the current fiscal year. Board of Pharmacy: The bill provides an additional 1.00 FTP, $15,900 of ongoing personnel costs, and $5,200 of one-time capital outlay funding. This supplemental appropriation will be used to recruit and hire an IT systems integration analyst, and purchase equipment and office furniture for the new position. This position will need to understand, and be able to translate the needs of the board into a new licensing system and assist with other IT programs. Of the total appropriation, $15,900 and 1.00 FTP are ongoing, and $85,200 is one-time for fiscal year 2016.

Appropriates an additional $3,500,000 from the Federal Grant Fund to the Military Division for the Federal/State Agreements Program for fiscal year 2016; appropriates $69,685,700 to the Military Division for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 319.8; and grants a continuous appropriation for the Bureau of Homeland Security's Miscellaneous Revenue Fund for the purpose of covering incurred costs arising out of hazardous substance incidents.

Appropriates an additional $3,500,000 from the Federal Grant Fund to the Military Division for the Federal/State Agreements Program for fiscal year 2016; appropriates $69,685,700 to the Military Division for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 319.8; and grants a continuous appropriation for the Bureau of Homeland Security's Miscellaneous Revenue Fund for the purpose of covering incurred costs arising out of hazardous substance incidents.

Appropriates $5,525,300 to the Idaho Commission for Libraries for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 37.5.

This bill is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Idaho Commission for Libraries for $3,822,300 from the General Fund, $70,000 in dedicated funds, and $1,633,000 in federal funds with full-time equivalent positions capped at 37.50. It includes $39,300 in benefit cost increases, $12,800 for inflation, $113,200 for replacement items, a reduction of $2,000 for statewide cost allocation, $62,400 for an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of the State Librarian, and $77,200 for the cost of the 27th payroll that will occur in FY 2017 for all state agencies using a bi-weekly payroll. Payroll costs accrue, but are unpaid at the rate of one day per year for ten years, to be paid out in the eleventh year. This amount is calculated using FY 2016 payroll costs. The bill also includes $2,100 ongoing from the Federal Grant Fund to reclassify positions. In FY 2015, the commission initiated a review of its current positions to ensure all employees are correctly aligned in their current class. At that time, two office specialist positions were identified as performing out of class and require an upgrade. The commission has identified a shipping and receiving materials handler position as a better aligned class. Of those two positions, only one will result in an increase in salary and benefits. That increase is projected to be $1,700 in salary and $400 in benefits. The Commission's appropriation totals $5,525,300.

Appropriates $170,000 to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 3; and authorizes lump sum spending authority.

Appropriates $170,000 to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of full-time equivalent positions to three (3); and authorizes lump sum spending authority. The bill includes funding for the employer's share of increased benefit costs; changes made in the statewide cost allocation plan; adjustments made in the Lieutenant Governor's compensation, as authorized in Chapter 356, Laws of 2014; an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of agency heads; and the 27th payroll.

Appropriates and transfers $400,000 from the General Fund to the Wolf Control Fund for fiscal year 2017.

This is a fiscal year 2017 appropriation and transfer of $400,000 from the General Fund to the Wolf Control Fund Other Money Subaccount. Enablinglegislationpassedin2014foundthatadditionalfinancialresourcesareneededtocontinue the implementation of Idaho's Wolf management plan administered by the Department of Fish and Game. It established a five-member Wolf Depredation Control Board in the Governor's Office and created a set of new funds and subaccounts to be administered by the Department of Agriculture. The law established fees from the livestock industry, to be matched up to $110,000 per year by sportsmen, to be transferred into the Wolf Control Fund. Fish and Game authorizes control actions when wolves are causing conflicts with people, domestic animals, and significant measured deer and elk population declines. The responsibility of the Wolf Control Board is to allocate the money for control actions approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. The Wolf Control Board has a cooperative services agreement and a work plan with Wildlife Services. During calendar year 2015, Wildlife Services responded to 84 livestock depredations, confirmed 59 depredations were a result of wolves, and reported that 72 wolves had been killed using funds provided by the Wolf Depredation Control Board. In February of 2016, Wildlife Services s agents killed 20 wolves consistent with the Elk Management Plan and Lolo Predation Management Plan.

Appropriates and transfers $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the Constitutional Defense Fund in fiscal year 2016; and appropriates $971,700 from the General Fund to the Department of Administration for the Purchasing Program for fiscal year 2016.

This bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Constitutional Defense Fund in FY 2016 to support the work of the Constitutional Defense Council. The Constitutional Defense Council is made up of the Governor, Pro Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Attorney General. The Constitutional Defense Fund is continuously appropriated and is managed in the House of Representatives on behalf of the Council. The current balance in the fund is $230,393.72. Since the creation of the program in 1994 the Legislature has appropriated a total of $2.5 million. This bill also appropriates $971,700 from the General Fund to the Department of Administration in FY 2016 to pay the Board of Examiner's approved legal fees and interest to Syringa Networks, LLC relating to the Idaho Education Network lawsuit. On June 30, 2015, the District Court entered a supplemental judgement awarding Syringa $930,593 in attorney's fees, accrued interest from that date through the end of April 2016 totals $39,852, and an additional $1,249 was awarded for costs by the Idaho Supreme Court.

Appropriates $16,691,000 to the Industrial Commission for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 138.25.

This is the FY 2017 appropriation to the Industrial Commission in the amount of $16,691,000 with full-timeequivalentpositionscappedat138.25. Thisbillincludesfundingforbenefitcostincreases, statewide cost allocation, a 3% CEC, and the 27th pay period. The 3% CEC is a merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of each director. Additionally, this bill includes funding replacement items which include office equipment, two vehicles, computer equipment, and a server. Line item 1 provides $15,200 for additional equipment which includes two printers and teleconferencing equipment. Overall, this budget is a 4.1% increase above the FY 2016 original appropriation.