WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 365

ATTORNEY GENERAL – Adds to existing law to provide the Attorney General with concurrent investigative and prosecutorial power of violations of certain election laws.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 365 empowers Idaho's Attorney General to investigate and prosecute election law violations, enhancing election security and integrity statewide.

Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs
#attorneygeneral #campaignsandcandidates #elections #votingandvoters
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 365

Summary of House Bill H 365

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: H 365
  • Title: Attorney General – Adds to existing law to provide the Attorney General with concurrent investigative and prosecutorial power of violations of certain election laws.
  • Status: Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs
  • Introduced: March 04, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Attorney General, Campaigns and Candidates, Elections, Voting and Voters

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 365 aims to enhance the security and integrity of elections in Idaho by granting the Attorney General the authority to investigate and prosecute violations of election laws. The legislation seeks to strengthen enforcement mechanisms against unlawful activities in the electoral process, thereby upholding the rule of law.

Key Provisions

  • Concurrent Authority: The bill amends Chapter 14, Title 67 of the Idaho Code by adding a new section (67-1417) that allows the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute both criminal and civil violations related to election laws, specifically those outlined in Chapter 23, Title 18 and Title 34 of the Idaho Code.
  • Legislative Intent: The bill explicitly states the Legislature's intent to bolster election security and integrity through this new authority.
  • Emergency Clause: An emergency is declared, making the act effective immediately on July 1, 2025, upon passage.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily affects the Attorney General's office, local election officials, and individuals or entities involved in election-related activities. It allows for a more robust response to election law violations.
  • Current Authorities Maintained: The bill does not remove the existing jurisdiction of local authorities but rather provides the Attorney General with additional powers to act concurrently.

Fiscal Note

The fiscal note indicates that the legislation is not expected to impact the state general fund, as it is anticipated that the Attorney General's office can manage any new investigations with current staffing levels.

Legislative Actions

  • March 04, 2025: Introduced and referred to the State Affairs Committee.
  • March 07, 2025: Reported out of Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 10, 2025: Read second time and filed for third reading.
  • March 11, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 60-9-1.
  • March 12, 2025: Received from the House and filed for first reading in the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 365, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on election law enforcement in Idaho.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.