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ID H0865
Bill
Status
3/10/2026
Primary Sponsor
State Affairs Committee
Click for details
AI Summary
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Prohibits Idaho Public Utilities Commission commissioners and employees from soliciting or considering communications about pending or anticipated matters unless made during official proceedings or reduced to writing and placed in commission records.
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Bars public utilities, their agents, registered lobbyists, and attorneys representing utilities from making off-the-record communications to commissioners or staff about pending or anticipated matters.
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Requires commissioners or employees who receive prohibited ex parte communications to create a written summary and file it within 7 business days, with copies sent to adverse parties.
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Establishes civil penalties for violations: up to $250 for individuals and up to $2,500 for entities, with a 2-year statute of limitations for prosecution.
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Lowers the "trivial benefits" gift threshold for PUC commissioners and employees from $50 to $20, effective July 1, 2026.
Legislative Description
Amends existing law to establish rules for ex parte communications to and from the Public Utilities Commission and to limit the amount that a commissioner or staff member may receive as a gift.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Last Action
Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
3/10/2026