APPROPRIATIONS – HEALTH AND WELFARE – EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2026.

This bill allocates funding to Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2026, increasing $18.2 million for the Idaho Child Care Program to expand licensed and non-licensed child care options. It reduces total funding for Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Early Learning by $3.6 million, including a $303,900 cut to Extended Employment Services. The bill restricts child care funds from covering buildings or infrastructure, requiring short-term investments to expand long-term availability. It also includes federal funding safeguards, prohibiting state funds from replacing lost federal support without legislative approval.