This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code related to the duties and powers of the State Department of Health and Welfare. It introduces new provisions that require the director of the department to complete the discontinuation of any program or service not expressly authorized by Idaho Code by July 1, 2028. The director is also mandated to monitor all department programs for statutory compliance and to cease expenditures for unauthorized programs within sixty days of such findings. Additionally, if unauthorized funds are expended, the state controller is required to revoke spending authority and revert unexpended balances to the fund of origin.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section requiring the department to submit a comprehensive report by December 1, 2026, detailing all programs operated by the department along with their statutory authority. It also revises the powers of the State Department to clarify that contracts and agreements with the federal government must be authorized by Idaho Code. Lastly, it emphasizes that no appropriation act shall imply independent authorization for any program or service, making express authorization necessary for the operation of any program funded by appropriations. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 56-202, 56-203, 67-3516