House Bill 325 Summary

• Appropriates $51,183,300 to the Idaho Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) across eight divisions 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 to employ no more than 225.00 full-time equivalent positions during the fiscal year, unless specifically authorized by the Governor, with the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee to be notified of any increases.

• Requires the Department to maximize watercraft inspection program appropriations to prevent spread of zebra mussels and quagga mussels, use roving inspection stations and expanded holiday coverage, gather data on watercraft bypassing stations and nighttime border crossings, and seek federal funding to enhance invasive species prevention efforts.

• Mandates that funds be used only for their specified purposes and be subject to accountability reports and management reviews per Idaho Code Section 67-702.

• Declares an emergency and makes the act effective July 1, 2023.