2026 Legislative Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We just wrapped up Week 4 of the Legislative Session, and it was one of the most critical weeks yet for the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC).

As I've mentioned before, my goal on JFAC is to ensure your tax dollars are treated with respect. This past week, we dug into the budgets of some of our state's most visible agencies, from the Tax Commission to the State Police, before taking our first major budget-setting votes on Friday.

Here is a look at what we accomplished last week and what is coming up next.

Budget & JFAC Update:

Holding the Line

Last Week in Review (Feb 2-6)

We spent the week hearing directly from agencies about their needs and their numbers.

Monday: Tax Commission & IT Services. We started the week looking over the Office of Information Technology Services and the Idaho State Tax Commission. My focus here is ensuring these massive state systems are secure and efficient for taxpayers.

Tuesday: Reviewing the Cuts. We spent the morning reviewing the General Fund Rescissions Packet. This was the prep work for the Budget Reduction Act, identifying exactly where we could trim FY2026 spending to protect our state's bottom line.

Wednesday: Public Safety. We heard from the Idaho State Police (ISP) and the POST Academy (Peace Officer Standards & Training). Supporting law enforcement is a top priority, but we must also ensure their funds are managed wisely to keep our communities safe.

Thursday: Transportation Day. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) came before us to discuss everything from Highway Operations to the DMV. As Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee, I paid close attention here. We need to make sure money is going to pavement, not just administration.

Friday: Taking Action. We closed the week by officially voting on the FY2026 General Fund Rescissions. This was a budget-setting vote where we essentially tightened our belts for the current year to ensure we don't overspend.

This Week (Feb 9-13): Setting the Foundation

This week is critical because we start setting the Maintenance Budgets for FY2027.

What is a Maintenance Budget? Think of this as keeping the lights on. It funds the existing employees, benefits, and standard operating costs for agencies, but without any new expensive spending.

Why it matters: By passing these base budgets early, we ensure government will remain open and functional no matter what. Any new spending requests (called "line items") will be debated separately later in the session.

Upcoming Hearings

• Monday: Reviewing the Program Maintenance packets for all agencies. This is the big foundation-setting day.
• Tuesday: Workforce Development Council & Commission for the Blind.
• Wednesday: Department of Juvenile Corrections & Office of Energy.
• Thursday: Department of Agriculture & State Liquor Division.
• Friday: Budget-setting votes on the FY2027 Maintenance Budgets.

Tune Into JFAC Daily
JFAC Hearing Schedule

Protecting Parental Rights (HB 572)

I am proud to co-sponsor the Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act because I believe that parents, not government agencies or schools, are the ultimate authority in a child's life. This bill ensures that "covered entities"—like schools and medical providers—cannot hide critical information from you regarding your child's mental or physical health, specifically concerning gender transitions.

It prohibits these institutions from facilitating any social or medical transition without your express written consent. This is about transparency and ensuring that no wedge is ever driven between a parent and their child.

Learn More Here

Annual Tax Conformity (HB 559)

This bill is an important piece of legislation this year. The Idaho Legislature, in both chambers, has debated and passed this legislation, which is now heading to the Governor's desk.

The bill updates Idaho's tax code to align with recent federal tax law changes for the 2025 tax year (One Big Beautiful Bill), while keeping Idaho's long-standing exception for bonus depreciation and setting clear rules for how research and development expenses are treated.

Overall, the changes are expected to reduce state general revenue by approximately $155 million in FY2026 and $175 million in FY2027.

Learn More Here

Securing Our Elections (S 1237)

To strengthen trust in our electoral process, I am sponsoring Senate Bill 1237 in the House, which closes the affidavit loophole. Currently, a voter can arrive at the polls without ID and simply sign a paper swearing to their identity.

With free state IDs readily available, there is no reason to bypass this security measure. By repealing the personal identification affidavit, we ensure that every vote cast is verified with a valid photo ID—adding a necessary layer of security to our elections and giving every Idahoan confidence in the final results.

Learn More Here

Fighting for Idaho Drivers

In the House Transportation Committee, I am pushing forward HJM012, a memorial urging Utah to reconsider its export tax on fuel. This tax would unfairly drive up gas prices for Idahoans, and I am leading the charge to tell our neighbors that Idaho drivers shouldn't be footing their bills.

Learn More Here

Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Representative Brandon Mitchell

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are now two weeks into the 2026 Legislative Session, and the pace is picking up. As your voice on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), my days start early and end late, focused entirely on one thing: ensuring every public dollar of your money is treated with respect.

Last week, JFAC made a critical decision that sets the tone for the entire session. We voted to set the state revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027). By setting this number early, we establish a firm "ceiling" on spending by forcing government to live within its means, just like you do at home.

Check out my Watchdog Report for important JFAC presentations that impact our state and our District 6 community.

Budget & JFAC Update:

The Watchdog Report

My philosophy on JFAC is simple: government should be efficient, effective, and limited. We are currently reviewing the Governor's "Enduring Idaho" plan, and I am digging deep into the details to find the savings we need for this budget year.

JFAC Hearings (January 2026)

• Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee (EORAC): We started the week reviewing revenue projections. We set a conservative revenue estimate of $5.8 billion for 2027. This conservative number protects us if the economy slows down.
• Division of Financial Management (DFM): The Governor's team presented their full budget recommendation, including the "Enduring Idaho" framework.
• Legislative Services Office (LSO): Our non-partisan auditors gave us a "maintenance budget" baseline— essentially, what it costs to just keep the lights on without any new spending programs.

January 26 - 30

• Health & Welfare (Medicaid): We are looking closely at the sustainability of Medicaid. I am focused on finding efficiencies that protect taxpayers without disrupting critical services for the truly vulnerable.
• Department of Correction: Public safety is a core function of government. We will be reviewing their funding requests to ensure our communities remain safe.
• K-12 Education: As we review the public schools budget, my priority is ensuring dollars reach the classroom to support students and teachers, rather than growing administrative overhead.
• Judicial Branch: Idaho's court system is recognized as a model for many other states. Our Judicial Branch is scheduled to meet with JFAC about court operations.

Upcoming Hearings

• Review FY2027 Program Maintenance Budgets
• Department of Health & Welfare
• Idaho State Police
• Idaho Transportation Department

Tune Into JFAC Daily
JFAC Hearing Schedule

Farewell to the Idaho Liberty Bell

January 30, 2026

All Idahoans are invited to the steps of the Capitol Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM.

The bell will be removed on this day and prepared for shipping back to the foundry. This essential repair will allow the bell to continue to ring strong — becoming a centerpiece for Idaho's America250 celebrations and ceremonies. When the Bell arrives back in Idaho, it will be taken on a tour of the state before it is installed back on the steps of the Capitol Building.

To learn more click here.

2026: The Year of Volunteerism

I am proud to co-sponsor a resolution designating 2026 as the "Year of Volunteerism" in Idaho. This isn't about government programs; it's about Idahoans helping Idahoans.

Our goal is 250,000 acts of service by July 4th. I encourage you to get involved, whether it's helping a neighbor shovel snow or volunteering at a local food bank.

Learn More Here

Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Representative Brandon Mitchell

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As your State Representative, I am honored to serve you in the Idaho State Legislature. With the 2026 session beginning on January 12th at the State Capitol, we are entering an important time for our state.

This year is an election year, and I am committed to a focused, efficient session that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, Idaho families, and the freedoms that make our state the gem of the nation.

In recent years, we've delivered meaningful tax cuts, protected your vote, and invested in infrastructure. Looking ahead, we face challenges like responsible budgeting, safeguarding our borders, protecting Second Amendment rights, and defending the sanctity of life.

I will continue fighting for policies that promote limited government, strong families, and the conservative values we share—while resisting unnecessary expansions of state power or federal overreach.

2026 Legislative Work Preview

• Fiscal responsibility and the state budget
• Supporting and strengthening our Idaho State Patrol
• Addressing mental health challenges in the criminal justice system
• Safeguarding voter integrity and citizenship requirements

Protecting Your Tax Dollars

Recent reports have raised serious concerns about potential widespread fraud in Minnesota's childcare assistance programs, with some providers allegedly receiving millions in taxpayer funds without delivering legitimate services.

As your representative, I take these reports very seriously. Last week, I launched a review of Idaho's daycare providers and related payments. So far, my investigation has found no evidence of similar problems in our state.

However, I remain committed to continued vigilance to ensure every tax dollar is used transparently and only for legitimate services that benefit Idaho families.

Protecting public funds while preserving access to quality childcare is a priority. If you have concerns or information about potential misuse in Idaho, please reach out. Together, we can maintain accountability and safeguard these important programs.

How You Can Get Involved

Your involvement is crucial this session. I represent hardworking families, small business owners, farmers, and everyday Idahoans.

Please stay engaged by:

• Monitoring bills and hearings at legislature.idaho.gov
• Sharing your thoughts and concerns with me
• Attending committee hearings in person or virtually
• Encouraging friends and neighbors to stay informed and engaged

Together, we can keep Idaho a beacon of liberty, prosperity, and opportunity. Thank you for your trust and support—I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Representative Brandon Mitchell