Bill description: This bill prohibits public funds from being used to interfere with or influence an election.

Rating: +2

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 

Government officials are finding new and sophisticated ways to commit tax dollars attempts to sway the outcome of elections. The IdahoReporter.com covered one such example of this practice in Dec. 2016. With hundreds of schools, municipalities, agencies and departments, each promoting their own ballot measures, there is no telling the savings to taxpayers and the impact on budgets by prohibiting this questionable practice. (+1)

Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency or accountability? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency or accountability? 


Allowing government agencies to use taxpayer funds to campaign for their own causes is an affront to accountability. As mentioned in the article, the College of Western Idaho spent roughly $370,000 on image-building prior to a bond election. In effect, the school spent public funds to campaign for more public funds, perpetuating its self-interest. The practice is as unacceptable as incumbent elected official using public funds to pay for campaign events, including fundraisers. This bill will prevent this unaccountable use of public funds. (+1)