The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied by freedom-focused policymaking and lose one (-1) point for each instance in which the inverse is true. The sum of these points composes the score for the bill.
Rating: (-2)
Bill Description: House Bill 483 is an enhancement of $644,300 and 0.00 new full-time positions for the State Liquor Division for fiscal year 2026. This legislation appropriates a total of $31,800,900 and 257.25 full-time positions to the agency.
NOTE: House Bill 483 is virtually identical to Senate Bill 1192, making only one perfunctory $100 reduction in the bill's total appropriation. Senate Bill 1192 failed to pass the House, yet this replacement bill makes no substantive changes to address its predecessor's shortcomings.
Does this budget enact powers and activities that extend beyond the proper role of government? Conversely, does this budget fulfill the proper role of government?
The Idaho State Liquor Division controls the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of distilled spirits. Its mandate over the distribution of alcohol is found in Article III section 26 in the Idaho Constitution.
Though the state monopoly on liquor sales is constitutional, it places an unnecessary burden on the market. Government control does not necessarily encourage responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. This activity clearly extends beyond the proper role of government.
(-1)
Is the continuation or growth in ongoing spending, if any, inappropriate for the changes in circumstances, scope of the agency, or current economic environment? Conversely, is the continuation or growth in ongoing spending appropriate given any change in circumstances or economic pressures?
This legislation funds ongoing spending for the State Liquor Division at over $31 million, growing it from the base by over 35% in the last three years. This rate is faster than what would be prescribed by inflationary pressures and growth.
Because of the accelerated growth in this budget the last three years, a truly fiscally responsible enhancement budget for FY2026 would eliminate and reduce some of the budget and staff growth with a negative appropriation enhancement.
(-1)
