The proposed bill amends Title 74 of the Idaho Code by introducing a new Chapter 3, "Campaign Finance Transparency," which aims to enhance transparency in campaign financing. It establishes definitions for key terms, prohibits foreign contributions and expenditures, and sets forth reporting requirements for candidates, political action committees (PACs), and political party committees. The bill mandates the appointment of political treasurers, who must be registered electors in Idaho, and outlines their responsibilities, including maintaining detailed accounts of contributions and expenditures and filing regular reports with the Secretary of State. Additionally, it imposes limitations on contributions based on the type of office and establishes penalties for violations, including civil fines and potential felony charges for significant infractions.

Furthermore, the bill expands the scope of accountability by requiring all individuals making election-related financial contributions or expenditures to file reports with the Secretary of State. It introduces a late fee structure for late filings and mandates that individuals who pay $100 or more to signature gatherers report these expenditures. The legislation also modifies definitions related to campaign finance, clarifying enforcement mechanisms for civil fines and late fees. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more transparent and accountable campaign finance system in Idaho, ensuring that financial support for election campaigns is properly disclosed and regulated.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-6602, 67-6621, 67-6625, 19-5904, 19-6004, 44-2602, 44-2605, 50-2006, 50-2005, 67-5282, 72-1503