Bill Description: Senate Bill 1257 would change the designation of the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center in order to make it easier for it to receive federal money. 

Rating: -1

Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

Senate Bill 1257 would amend Section 56-234, Idaho Code, to remove language stating that the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center is "a public institution licensed for nine (9) or more beds as an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities."

The statement of purpose for Senate Bill 1257 explains the intent of this bill is "to allow for a change in services" that will be "subject to future legislative and executive review." It further reveals the existence of a $13.2 million proposal to "fund new buildings to support the transition of the facility to a new model." Finally, it suggests that $7 million in federal funding may be at risk if these changes are not made. 

Put simply, Senate Bill 1257 will facilitate the growth of government and the flow of federal dollars into Idaho, two outcomes inconsistent with the goals of curtailing the size or scope of government. Conversely, the defeat of this bill could potentially lead to the eventual shuttering of a government facility, which represents a desirable reduction in the size or scope of government.

(-1)