Bill Description: House Bill 393 would substantially increase candidate filing fees.
Rating: -2
Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?
House Bill 393 would amend 18 sections of Idaho Code to increase the filing fees for a host of candidates for public office from U.S. Senators (increasing from $500 to $1,000) and congressional representatives (increasing from $300 to $500) to county officials and clerks of the district court (increasing by 150% from $40 to $100).
The filing fee for candidates for statewide constitutional offices would increase by 400% from $200 to $1,000. The filing fee for candidates for Supreme Court justice would more than triple, going from $300 to $1,000.
The highest percentage increase would be for candidates for state Legislature, who would see their filing fees increase by 733% from $30 to $250.
NOTE: The bill's fiscal note says, "This legislation will not impact the state's general fund or any dedicated fund or federal fund. Therefore, this legislation has no fiscal impact."
This is incorrect. The filing fees for candidates running for national or state offices including judgeships and state legislative positions are all deposited in the state general fund. A typical election cycle includes hundreds of candidates, and with fee increases ranging from $200 to $800 per candidate, an estimate of $50,000 in additional revenue to the state general fund every two years is quite conservative.
(-1)
Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?
The substantial filing fee increases proposed in this bill could create a significant financial barrier to a prospective candidate's participation in the electoral process.
These increases are not necessary to pay for processing a candidate's paperwork. Instead, they are specifically intended to make it more difficult to run for office.
(-1)
