ID S1262

Creates a one-year cooling-off period prohibiting former public officials from seeking or accepting employment, compensation, or economic gain from any business or individual if they personally and directly participated in government decisions affecting contracts, leases, or agreements awarded to that entity within the two years prior to leaving office.

Applies the cooling-off restriction only to contracts, leases, or agreements with a total value exceeding $25,000, with an exception for contracts permitted under Idaho Code section 18-1361.

Establishes a civil penalty of up to $500 for public officials who intentionally violate the cooling-off period prohibition, except where the governmental entity has established an ethics commission or board.

Clarifies that civil penalties do not limit legislative discipline powers, governmental entity discipline authority, or the ability to prosecute criminal violations related to the restriction.