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Bill

H 399

CAMPAIGN FINANCE – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for campaign finance transparency.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 399 boosts campaign finance transparency in Idaho by increasing reporting frequency, prohibiting foreign contributions, and enhancing enforcement for better public access.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 399

Summary of House Bill 399 (H 399)

Title

CAMPAIGN FINANCE – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for campaign finance transparency.

Status

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs

Purpose

House Bill 399 aims to enhance transparency in campaign finance laws in Idaho, originally established in 1974. The bill seeks to modernize and reorganize existing laws to better reflect current practices in political campaigning and to ensure that the public has access to information regarding campaign financing.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to Idaho's campaign finance laws, including:

  1. Reorganization of Laws:

    • Moves campaign finance provisions from Title 67, Chapter 66 to Title 74, Chapter 3, creating a new chapter dedicated to campaign finance transparency.

  2. Separation of Reporting Requirements:

    • Distinguishes between campaign finance reporting and lobbying reporting, simplifying the compliance process for candidates and political action committees (PACs).

  3. Increased Reporting Frequency:

    • Mandates more frequent reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures to enhance transparency.

  4. Contribution Limitations:

    • Adjusts limitations on campaign contributions and establishes exceptions for certain circumstances.

  5. Prohibition of Foreign Contributions:

    • Explicitly prohibits foreign contributions, independent expenditures, and electioneering communications.

  6. Political Treasurer Requirements:

    • Requires candidates and PACs to appoint a political treasurer responsible for managing campaign finances and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

  7. Enhanced Enforcement Mechanisms:

    • Introduces a structured fine system for violations, including late filings and other infractions, to improve enforcement of campaign finance laws.

  8. Digital Ad Library:

    • Establishes a digital Ad Library to provide public access to campaign advertisements, requiring initial funding for software development and ongoing operational costs.

Fiscal Impact

  • The implementation of this bill will necessitate the hiring of one full-time Campaign Finance Specialist within the Secretary of State’s office, with an estimated annual cost of $94,300.
  • One-time costs for creating the digital Ad Library are projected at $144,600, with ongoing annual costs of $25,200 for maintenance.
  • It is anticipated that increased fine revenue will offset these costs, resulting in no net expense to the General Fund.

Affected Parties

  • Candidates for public office in Idaho, including those seeking statewide, judicial, legislative, or local positions.
  • Political Action Committees (PACs) and their treasurers.
  • The Secretary of State’s office, which will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the new regulations.

Timeline

  • March 11, 2025: Bill introduced and referred for printing.
  • March 12, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the State Affairs Committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 399 represents a significant overhaul of Idaho's campaign finance laws, aiming to foster greater transparency and accountability in political financing. By modernizing reporting requirements and enhancing enforcement mechanisms, the bill seeks to promote public confidence in the electoral process.

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

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