Bill > S1422

This bill establishes new campaign finance transparency laws in Idaho by creating a new chapter in Title 74 of the Idaho Code. It defines key terms like "candidate," "contribution," "electioneering communication," and "independent expenditure" to clarify reporting requirements. The bill prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or engaging in electioneering communications and requires various entities, including newspapers, broadcasters, and advertising agencies, to maintain records of campaign-related obligations and payments. It mandates that candidates and political action committees (PACs) appoint a "political treasurer" responsible for managing campaign finance accounts and filing detailed reports on contributions and expenditures with the Secretary of State. The bill also sets limits on contributions to candidates, prohibits coordination between candidates and those making independent expenditures, and outlines specific reporting timelines, including immediate reporting for large contributions and urgent reporting for electioneering communications and independent expenditures close to an election. Furthermore, it addresses the use of synthetic media (AI-generated content) in political communications and includes provisions for enforcing these new regulations, including civil fines and misdemeanor penalties for violations. Finally, the bill repeals an existing chapter on campaign finance and makes conforming amendments to other Idaho Code sections to align with the new campaign finance framework, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1422/