ID H0434

Public utilities in Idaho are prohibited from recovering costs of political expenditures from customers through any rate, fare, toll, rental, or other charge

Political expenditures include lobbying, influencing elections or ballot initiatives, supporting or opposing political candidates/parties, and financing communications intended to influence public officials or government actions

Violations require the Public Utilities Commission to order refunds with interest to affected customers and impose fines up to 20 times the amount improperly charged

Public utilities must file annual reports by January 31 itemizing all political expenditures, including a signed CEO certification that no political spending was passed to customers

The Public Utilities Commission must compile reports and submit them to the Legislative Services Office and Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee by March 1 each year, with all reports available for public inspection

Effective date: July 1, 2025 (declared an emergency measure)