REVISED
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS30908C1 / S1292
This legislation removes the responsibility of the Office of the Attorney General to provide legal representation
to the Idaho Department of Lands and allows the Department to hire or contract its own legal counsel.
FISCAL NOTE
Enactment of this legislation would allow the Idaho Department of Lands to hire a general counsel to represent
the Department. It is estimated that a total of three attorneys and one support staff would be required to
adequately represent the Department. The total estimated cost would be an additional 4.00 FTP and $637,000
for a Lead Attorney position, for two Attorney 2 positions, and for a Legal Assistant position. Included is
$514,500 for Personnel Costs, $100,000 for ongoing Operating Expenditure, and $22,500 for one-time Capital
Outlay. Spending would be split between the Endowment Earnings Reserve Fund (50%), the Idaho Department
of Lands Fund (25%), and the General Fund (25%).
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 Idaho Department of Lands to continue to contract with the Office of the Attorney
General. Unforeseen legal costs at the Department could require future supplemental appropriations. Also, a
reduction in billings for the Idaho Department of Lands to the Statewide Cost Recovery Fund would not occur
until FY 2027.
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 Idaho 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 2025, $257,600; FY 2026, $265,300; FY 2027,
-$173,000; FY 2026, -$178,200; and FY 2027, -$183,500.
Contact:
Senator Mark Harris
(208) 332-1341
Representative Megan Blanksma
(208) 332-1120
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: 02/12/2024, 12:49 PM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-1406