ID S1245

Establishes 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 the official personally and directly participated in or advised decisions affecting government contracts, leases, or agreements awarded to that business or individual during 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, excluding certain contracts permitted under Idaho Code section 18-1361.

Creates a civil offense with a fine not to exceed $500 for public officials who violate the cooling-off period provisions, unless the governmental entity has established an ethics commission or board as described in existing law.

Clarifies that the civil penalty does not limit the power of either house of the legislature to discipline members, nor restrict governmental entities and professional licensing bodies from disciplining their personnel.

Specifies that violations of this chapter do not preclude criminal prosecution and conviction for any separate criminal violations committed.