Idaho Fair Elections Act Summary

• Establishes voluntary "Idaho Fair Elections Act" providing alternative campaign financing for candidates for statewide office, state senator, and state representative, beginning in 2014 if sufficient funds available.

• Creates Idaho Fair Elections Act Trust Fund financed through qualifying contributions ($5 each), seed money contributions (up to $100 per donor), fines, civil penalties, voluntary donations, and 10% surcharge on civil traffic violations and motor vehicle fines.

• Requires participating candidates to collect minimum qualifying contributions (2,500 for governor, 1,500 for other statewide offices, 150 for state legislators) during specified qualifying periods to become certified and receive trust fund distributions for campaign expenses.

• Establishes seven-member Commission on Fair Election Practices within Secretary of State's office to administer the fund, certify candidates, distribute revenues, and adopt rules; members appointed by governor with legislative input.

• Increases campaign finance violation penalties: up to $10,000 civil penalty per violation for Fair Elections Act violations, and increases fines for late reporting to trust fund; Section 2 sunset on January 1, 2023.