Bill Description: House Bill 944 would transfer $5 million annually from the state’s Liquor Account to the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund.

Rating: -1

NOTE: Senate Bill 1360 (2026) and Senate Bill 1379 (2026) proposed increasing vehicle registration fees for the same purpose that this bill would authorize a recurring fund transfer.

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 944 would amend Section 23-404, Idaho Code, to create an automatic annual transfer of $5 million from the state’s Liquor Account to the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund.

The bill’s statement of purpose says the $5 million transfer is “intended to support Project Choice and enhance the recruitment and retention of Idaho State Police troopers,” which suggests that (if this bill passes), an appropriation will be necessary to allocate the $5 million to the Project Choice program.

The bill’s fiscal note says that the $5 million transfer will result in “a corresponding reduction will occur in the amount of revenue otherwise available for distribution to the General Fund.”

Ultimately, the fund transfer is financial sleight-of-hand that effectively reduces General Fund revenue to increase a dedicated fund and allow for program funding to occur without competing with the state’s other spending priorities. 

(-1)