HB 701 Summary

• Appropriates $44,815,300 to the Idaho Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019) distributed across eight programs including Administration, Animal Industries, Agricultural Resources, Plant Industries, Agricultural Inspections, Market Development, Animal Damage Control, and Sheep and Goat Health Board.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture a maximum of 217.00 full-time equivalent positions during the fiscal year 2019 period, with any increases requiring specific Governor authorization and Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee notification.

• Directs the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to maximize appropriations for the Watercraft Inspection Program to prevent spread of zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and other aquatic invasive species through roving inspection stations, expanded holiday coverage, and extra weekend staffing.

• Requires the Department to gather data on watercraft bypassing inspection stations and nighttime transport across Idaho borders, and to pursue federal funding to enhance invasive species detection and prevention efforts.

• Mandates the Department report to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, and House Agricultural Affairs Committee during the 2019 legislative session on data collection results, federal funding attainment, and operational review of boat stations.