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Committee sends H 398 to floor to expand lobbyist reporting and define indirect lobbying
Summary
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send H 398 to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation after sponsors said it separates lobbying rules from campaign finance law, clarifies indirect lobbying and requires monthly and 48‑hour reports to improve transparency.
Representative David Skaug summarized H 398 as a modernization of Idaho’s 1974 sunshine laws, saying the bill separates lobbying rules from campaign finance law and adds a clearer definition of indirect lobbying. Phil McGrane, Idaho’s Secretary of State, told the committee that indirect lobbying has grown and that much of it in 2025 originated outside Idaho; he said the bill’s monthly reporting requirement and the 48‑hour disclosure for indirect lobbying would increase transparency.
The bill would move lobbyist provisions into Idaho Code Title 74 (Ethics and Transparent Government), require monthly reporting of subject matter and expenditures above defined thresholds, and explicitly include universities in reporting obligations. During committee discussion, Senator Ruchti asked about language on civil fines and misdemeanors; Secretary McGrane said that provision mirrored current statute and Representative Skaug confirmed the bill incorporated the summarized amendments.
Senator Den Hartog moved to send H 398 to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation; Vice Chairman Bernt seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. The committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the minutes.
The next step for H 398 is consideration by the full Senate.
