ID S1037

Establishes a one-year cooling-off period prohibiting former public officials from seeking or accepting employment, compensation, or economic gain from businesses or individuals they directly participated in awarding contracts to during their tenure in public office.

Applies the cooling-off period only to contracts, leases, or agreements valued over $25,000 that the official personally and directly participated in or advised on during the two years prior to leaving public office.

Excludes contracts otherwise permitted under section 18-1361, Idaho Code from the cooling-off period restrictions.

Creates a civil offense with a fine not to exceed $500 for violations of the cooling-off period, unless the governmental entity has established an ethics commission or board.

Preserves the authority of legislative bodies and governmental entities to impose additional discipline and does not prevent prosecution for any criminal violations that may have occurred.