REVISED
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS29687 / S1372
This legislation changes the relationship of the Office of the Attorney General with the State Board of Land
Commissioners (Land Board) and the Idaho Department of Lands. It allows the Land Board and the Department
of Lands to hire independent counsel in consultation with the Director of the Department of Lands. The
independent counsel may hire additional attorneys or contract with the Office of the Attorney General. This
legislation does not affect the Attorney General’s position on the Land Board.
FISCAL NOTE
Enactment of this legislation would require the Department of Lands to hire a general counsel to represent the
Land Board and the Department. It is estimated that a total of three attorneys and one support staff would be
required to adequately represent the Board and Department. The total estimated cost would be an additional
4.00 FTP and $601,800, for a Lead Attorney position, for two Attorney 2 positions, and a Legal Assistant
position. Included is $479,200 for Personnel Costs, $100,100 for ongoing Operating Expenditure, and $22,500
for one-time Capital Outlay and Operating Expenditures. Spending would be split between the Endowment
Earnings Reserve Fund (70%), the Department of Lands Fund (15%), and the General Fund (15%).
A corresponding reduction in attorney staff at the Office of the Attorney General could also be made with a
reduction of -3.00 FTP and -$379,400 in General Fund Personnel Costs.
The legislation allows the Department and the Board to continue to contract with the Office of the Attorney
General. Unforeseen legal costs at the Department and the Board could require future supplemental
appropriations. Also, a reduction in billings for the Department of Lands to the Statewide Cost Recovery
Fund would not occur until FY 2025.
Enactment of the bill would reduce overall spending in the outyears as well as decrease General Fund spending;
however, there would also be an increase in spending from dedicated funds at the Department of Lands.
Overall estimated spending impact due to enactment over the next five years, assuming a reduction in funding
at the Office of the Attorney General, are as follows: FY 2023, $222,400; FY 2024, $211,500; FY 2025,
-$170,800; FY 2026, -$152,500; and, FY 2027, -$133,700.
Contact:
Senator Mark Harris
(208) 332-1304
Representative Megan Blanksma
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN REVISED: 03/16/2022, 11:50 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 58-120, 67-1406