Bill > H0719

This bill amends existing Idaho law to prohibit "out-of-state persons" from making campaign contributions or independent expenditures, which are payments made to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure that are not coordinated with a campaign. An "out-of-state person" is defined as an individual who is not a legal resident of Idaho (meaning they are a U.S. citizen who has lived in Idaho for at least 30 days) or any entity, like a business or organization, that is organized or has its main office in another state and doesn't have a physical office in Idaho. This change expands upon the existing prohibition against "foreign nationals" making such contributions and expenditures, with "foreign national" being defined to include individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, foreign governments, foreign political parties, or entities organized or based in foreign countries. The bill also declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, meaning these new restrictions will take effect on that date.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0719/