Senate Bill 1247 - Idaho Fair Elections Act

• Creates voluntary public campaign financing system for candidates for statewide office, state senate, and state house of representatives, effective for elections beginning in 2014 if sufficient funds exist.

• Establishes Idaho Fair Elections Act Trust Fund funded by qualifying contributions ($5 donations), seed money contributions, fines, civil penalties, court surcharges on civil violations, and voluntary donations.

• Requires participating candidates to collect qualifying contributions ($5 each) during specified periods: 2,500 for governor; 1,500 for other statewide offices; 150 for state senate/house within legislative districts.

• Creates seven-member Commission on Fair Election Practices to administer the program, certify candidates, distribute trust fund revenues, and establish rules for implementation.

• Increases campaign finance violation penalties: civil fines up to $251,000 for individuals and $2,510,000 for other entities; late filing fees increased to $50-$100 per day; all fines dedicated to trust fund.