Idaho’s state Department of Administration would be required to re-examine its contract management practices in light with a 2013 Office of Performance Evaluations report, and report back to the Legislature on that next year; and to notify the Legislature in writing 90 days in advance of any early contract renewal, under legislative intent language that JFAC attached to the department’s budget this morning. That follows the revelation last month that Admin extended the Idaho Education Network contract through 2019 last year a year early, without notifying lawmakers. In addition, the department would be required to submit a list of contracts exceeding $1 million that are due for renewal in the upcoming fiscal year, as part of the budget-setting process.

Sen. Roy Lacey, D-Pocatello, asked if that intent language – which has the force of law – carries any penalty for non-compliance. Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said there’s “the co-chairs’ stink-eye,” but added, “It’s a transparency piece, where they have to come and report, and hopefully they’ll report and follow the intent language as directed – and we would anticipate they would.”

He said, “Obviously this committee has other authority and direction as we move forward on budgets.” The joint budget committee agreed unanimously to adding the intent language to the department’s budget.