Idaho Attorney General Asks Legislature to Restore Budget Cuts

Labrador warns of devastating furloughs and layoffs if $1 million in cuts are not reversed

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has asked the state legislature's budget committee to restore nearly $1 million in funding cuts that he says would lead to massive furloughs or layoffs, devastating his office. Labrador told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that the new budget cuts would reduce funding for the AG's office by $1.6 million next year and ongoing, forcing him to implement 14 unpaid furlough days for 227 employees or eliminate 12 staff positions completely.

Why it matters

The Attorney General's office plays a crucial role in upholding the law and protecting consumers in Idaho. These budget cuts could significantly impact the office's ability to fulfill its duties, potentially leading to reduced legal services, less consumer protection, and a weakened justice system in the state.

The details

The budget cuts approved earlier this month would reduce funding for the AG's office by $1.6 million in fiscal year 2027 and ongoing. The office also faced $1.2 million in cuts for the current fiscal year 2026, as well as a $91,500 cut to the Internet Crimes Against Children program. Labrador said 89% of the office's costs are personnel, so he has no choice but to implement furloughs or layoffs to absorb the reductions. He warned that 14 furlough days, or the elimination of 12 staff positions, would be 'devastating' to his employees.

  • The budget cuts were approved earlier this month.
  • The cuts will reduce funding for the AG's office by $1.6 million starting in fiscal year 2027 and ongoing.
  • The office also faced $1.2 million in cuts for the current fiscal year 2026.
  • The Internet Crimes Against Children program was cut by $91,500 in Senate Bill 1331, the fiscal year 2026 budget rescission act.

The players

Raúl Labrador

The Idaho Attorney General who is asking the legislature to restore the budget cuts to his office.

Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC)

The legislative budget committee that approved the budget cuts to the Attorney General's office.

Brad Little

The Governor of Idaho who originally implemented a 3% budget cut that the AG's office was later subjected to.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can absorb minor reductions, but anything significant means salary reductions through unpaid furlough days for every employee in this office or reducing staff that is increasingly being asked every day to do more and more by this Legislature.”

— Raúl Labrador, Idaho Attorney General (dailyfly.com)

“This would be devastating to our employees, and my office will lose significant staff.”

— Raúl Labrador, Idaho Attorney General (dailyfly.com)

“When the governor did not recommend a 3% holdback for our office, I did not expect that our office would have that 3% holdback.”

— Raúl Labrador, Idaho Attorney General (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

JFAC members did not take any immediate action on Labrador's request to restore the cut funding, but any potential funding restorations could come in the form of future budget enhancements that would need to be voted on by the committee.

The takeaway

The budget cuts to the Idaho Attorney General's office highlight the difficult choices facing state lawmakers as they balance fiscal constraints with the need to maintain essential government services. The potential for significant staff reductions or furloughs raises concerns about the office's ability to effectively carry out its duties and protect Idaho's citizens.