Lobbying Transparency Overhaul: 2025 Idaho House Bill 398
By Local Yocal Idaho Staff
Idaho House Bill 398, signed into law on April 3, 2025, represents an update to the state's lobbying disclosure requirements. This legislation reorganizes and strengthens Idaho's "sunshine laws" to increase transparency about who is attempting to influence state government and how much money they are spending to do so. The bill separates lobbying regulations from campaign finance laws, creating clearer accountability for both direct and behind-the-scenes lobbying activities.
The Bill's Purpose
House Bill 398 aims to shed more light on the activities of lobbyists—people paid to influence government decisions. The bill moves lobbying regulations to their own section of Idaho law and requires more frequent and detailed reporting about lobbying activities. It clarifies that both face-to-face lobbying and indirect methods (like social media campaigns or text messaging) need to be reported. The goal is straightforward: to inform everyday Idahoans about who is trying to influence their government, how they are doing it, and how much they are spending.
This bill aims to promote stability through increased transparency, allowing citizens to better understand who seeks to influence their government.
The Core Provisions
The bill introduces several key changes to Idaho law:
Reorganizes lobbying laws
Moves lobbying regulations from Title 67 (State Government and State Affairs) to Title 74 (Transparent and Ethical Government), giving these rules their own dedicated chapter.
Expands the definition of lobbying
Clearly defines both direct lobbying (meeting with officials) and "indirect lobbying" (efforts to influence public opinion through email, text messaging, social media, TV, radio, billboards, or door-to-door activities).
Increases reporting frequency
Requires monthly reports from registered lobbyists rather than less frequent reporting, ensuring more timely disclosure of lobbying activities.
Clarifies electronic filing requirements
Establishes an online database maintained by the Secretary of State for all lobbying reports, making this information more accessible to the public.
Adds new reporting requirements
Requires quick reporting (within 48 hours) of any expenditure of $100 or more related to indirect lobbying efforts.
Updates penalties
Maintains civil fines of up to $250 for individuals and $2,500 for organizations for violations, with potential misdemeanor charges for knowing and willful violations.
Improves transparency of communications
Requires public communications reportable as lobbying expenses to clearly state "Paid for by [name of entity]" and, if soliciting funds, "This is an attempt to solicit funds".
By creating clearer rules and more frequent disclosure, the bill helps ensure that lobbying happens in the open rather than behind closed doors.
Current Status and Sponsors
Sponsors: The bill was introduced by the House State Affairs Committee, with Representatives Mike Moyle and Bruce D. Skaug noted as contacts in the Statement of Purpose
Committee: House State Affairs Committee
Current Status: Governor Little signed the bill into law on April 3, 2025. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025
