Bill > H0735

This bill requires individuals engaged in paid in-person canvassing activities, defined as compensated efforts to influence voting through direct contact or material distribution, to verbally identify themselves as paid political advocates and state who is paying them. They must also wear a clearly visible badge with "paid political advocate" printed on it, and meet certain qualifications to be a registered voter, with a slight exception for those under 18 who need to have resided in the state for at least 30 days. The Idaho Secretary of State will establish rules for the badge's appearance and a system to handle complaints, referring violations to the Attorney General or appropriate prosecutor, with penalties including civil fines and potential misdemeanor charges. This new requirement, which adds to existing election laws, does not apply to volunteers, individuals whose canvassing is incidental to broader campaign jobs, phone banking, or candidates canvassing for themselves, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0735/