Bill Description: House Bill 638 would put the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council in charge of the Strategic Initiative Grant program, moving it from the Idaho Department of Transportation. It also would require large urban areas receiving grants to match 20% of the grant funds. 

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NOTE: The House Amendment to House Bill 638 is inconsequential and does not change the rating or analysis.

Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

House Bill 638 would amend Section 40-719, Idaho Code, to shift the administration of the Strategic Initiatives Grant Program from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC).

Additionally, the bill would delete obsolete language and add new language requiring large urban areas (those that have a population greater than 50,000) to "match twenty percent (20%) of any funds received pursuant to the strategic initiatives grant program."

It would also say that "unsuccessful strategic initiatives grant program applicants shall be required to reapply in order to be considered for a subsequent grant opportunity."

Requiring large urban areas to match 20% of the grant funds could reduce state (and total government) spending if the requirement causes a jurisdiction to choose not to apply for a grant it would otherwise seek. Additionally, the requirement could provide an increased degree of responsibility and accountability by requiring local jurisdictions to have some skin in the game when seeking a grant. 

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