by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports

Gov. Brad Little allowed two budget bills to take effect without his signature Wednesday, the final pending pieces of legislation that could have received a veto before lawmakers adjourn for the year.

House Bill 770, the budget for the Idaho Transportation Department, and House Bill 726, the budget for the Department of Administration, both contain intent language that forbids the state from disposing of the former ITD headquarters campus on State Street in Boise.

“I am pleased the Legislature has been such a strong partner in championing investments in transportation infrastructure without raising taxes and fees,” Little wrote in his transmittal letter. “However, I did not sign these bills because the intent language unwinds statutory policy language about how the state handles surplus properties and it increases overhead for office space needs around the state. In addition, it unfairly cancels an agreed upon sales process, causing future reputational risk for the State of Idaho.”

Unless lawmakers take up any additional bills, the legislature should wrap up for the session Wednesday afternoon.

“We’re obviously extremely disappointed in the passage of this legislation,” said Brian Huffaker, CEO of Hawkins Companies, in a statement for the developers attempting to purchase the property. “This governmental overreach is a massive waste of taxpayer dollars and we’re confident the courts will agree this kind of legislative interference in the free market violates the state constitution. We will be exploring legal action.”

---