Labor & Employment (Workforce Development)

This Idaho bill allocates and adjusts funding for the Workforce Development Council and the STEM Action Center for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It increases the Workforce Development Council's budget by $1,150,000 from the In-Demand Careers Fund while adding six full-time equivalent positions, but simultaneously reduces its General Fund allocation for operating expenses. The STEM Action Center receives a budget increase from the STEM Education Fund while having its total funding reduced by $76,400 from the General Fund and losing seven full-time equivalent positions. The bill also declares an emergency to allow the General Fund reduction to take effect immediately upon passage, with other provisions beginning on July 1, 2026.

This bill (S 1276) removes expiration dates from specific rules in Idaho's public employee retirement system (PERSI) that govern reemployment for certain retired workers. It directly affects retired public employees - such as police officers, firefighters, school staff, or those elected to public office - who return to work with participating employers. The key change makes temporary provisions (previously set to expire in 2026 or 2027) permanent, allowing these retirees to continue receiving benefits without accruing additional service or making contributions during reemployment. The bill does not alter how reemployment affects retirement benefits but ensures these rules remain in place indefinitely.