Bill Summary
The bill proposes both increases and decreases in appropriations for public higher education institutions for fiscal year 2026. It introduces policy changes including legislative oversight of negotiations for the acquisition of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, prioritization of water research, transitioning to outcomes-based funding, and conducting DEI audits. Additionally, it allows for one-time budget reductions to be restored in future budgets and declares an emergency for immediate effect.
Overall Summary
The bill aligns with several metrics by promoting fiscal responsibility, transparency, and educational reforms. It supports water research and outcomes-based funding in higher education, aligning with state sovereignty and educational quality improvement. However, the DEI audits may conflict with the opposition to social justice indoctrination in education.
Reason for Rating
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (Rating: 1)
The bill's provisions for fiscal responsibility through balanced increases and decreases in funding, and transparency in legislative oversight align with the principles of fiscal responsibility and government transparency.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly address issues related to citizen involvement in government processes.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (Rating: 1)
The bill supports educational reforms such as outcomes-based funding and prioritization of water research, aligning with the emphasis on improving educational quality and accountability.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly address agricultural policies or education.
ARTICLE V. WATER (Rating: 1)
Allocating funds for water research aligns with the emphasis on developing water resources and supporting policies that benefit Idahoans.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly address issues related to natural resources and environmental policies.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly address energy policies or research except for the indirect support through educational institutions.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (Rating: 0)
The bill does not directly impact the operations or funding of Idaho National Laboratories.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (Rating: 0)
The bill does not involve issues related to private property rights.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address the management or administration of state and federal lands.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address wildlife management policies.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (Rating: 0)
The bill primarily focuses on educational funding and policy changes without direct implications for broader economic policies.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address health and welfare policies directly, although the educational institutions involved may contribute indirectly to health education and research.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address family values or policies directly related to family structures.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address issues specifically related to older Americans.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address law and order or justice system reforms.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address national defense or border security issues.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (Rating: 0)
The bill does not involve the election or appointment of judges or justices.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (Rating: 0)
The bill does not address issues related to religious liberty or the free exercise of religion.
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