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H 398

LOBBYISTS – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to establish provisions governing lobbying and lobbyists.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Reforms Idaho lobbying laws by moving rules to Title 74, Ch. 7; requires frequent, separate lobbying disclosures from campaign finance, boosting transparency and enforcement.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025 Session Law Chapter 280 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 398

Summary of Idaho H 398 (2025)

A comprehensive reform of Idaho’s lobbying and sunshine laws, H 398 reorganizes, updates, and expands the state's rules governing lobbying, lobbying disclosures, and related reporting. The bill was introduced March 11, 2025, and was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2025 as Session Law Chapter 280, becoming effective July 1, 2025. It includes an emergency declaration and an emergency effective date.

Purpose and intent

  • Modernize Idaho’s “sunshine laws” by separating lobbying reporting from campaign finance reporting.
  • Increase transparency through more frequent reporting by registered lobbyists.
  • Clarify that both direct and indirect efforts to influence policymaking qualify as lobbying.
  • Reorganize the lobbying provisions by moving them from Title 67, Chapter 66 to a new Title 74, Chapter 7, “Transparent and Ethical Government.”

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeals and replaces existing provisions:

    • Repeals sections related to lobbyist registration, exemptions, reporting by lobbyists, state-entity reporting, employment of unregistered persons, duties of lobbyists, specific docket contents and authorizations, and certain related topics (Secs. 67-6617 through 67-6622).
    • Amends the heading for Chapter 66 to read: “Election Campaign Contributions and Expenditures -- Lobbyists.”
    • Repeals or updates cross-references (e.g., 67-6602 definitions) to remove obsolete language.

  • New framework in Title 74, Chapter 7:

    • Establishes the purpose of the chapter and defines terms related to lobbying.
    • Creates registration requirements for lobbyists, including exemptions.
    • Sets forth registration procedures, reporting requirements for lobbyists, and reports that state entities must file.
    • Addresses employment of unregistered persons (i.e., rules about who can work for lobbyists).
    • Specifies duties of lobbyists.
    • Establishes the contents and handling of a docket and related reporting topics to the Legislature, including written authorization where applicable.
    • Outlines duties of the Secretary of State, including certification requirements and enforcement provisions.
    • Provides enforcement mechanisms, late filing provisions, injunctive relief, severability, and construction rules.
    • Includes an effective date and an emergency clause.

  • Definitions and scope:

    • Section 67-6602 (definitions) is updated and now aligned with the new Chapter 7 framework (definitions cover candidate, compensation, contributor, election, electioneering communication, etc.).

Who is affected

  • Lobbyists and their employers (organizations, firms, or individuals paid to influence policy).
  • State entities and public officers that interact with lobbyists or must report activities.
  • Candidates, political committees, and measures subject to disclosure requirements.
  • Individuals or entities employing unregistered persons in lobbying roles.

Timeline and implementation

  • Introduction: March 11, 2025
  • Enacted: Signed by Governor April 3, 2025 (Session Law Chapter 280)
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025
  • Emergency clause: Declared, with accompanying provisions affecting immediate enforceability

Fiscal impact

  • The administration notes no fiscal impact; current Secretary of State lobbyist reporting systems can accommodate increased reporting frequency.

Practical impact

  • More timely and distinct disclosures of lobbying activity, separating lobbying from campaign finance reporting.
  • Clearer obligations for lobbyists, employers, and state entities, with enhanced enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
  • A streamlined organizational structure by relocating the lobbying provisions to a dedicated chapter (Title 74, Chapter 7).

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

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