Bill Description: House Bill 395 would expand the prohibition against tax-related communications from the tax commission or a county including messages supporting a government program or nonprofit. 

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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?

House Bill 395 would amend Section 74-407, Idaho Code, which prohibits including the name of a public official (other than a necessary signature) or electioneering message on tax-related correspondence the tax commission or a county sends to taxpayers. Under the changes in this bill, the term “electioneering message” would be expanded to include "statements regarding, expressing support for, or soliciting support for any governmental program or initiative; or nonprofit corporation, including any program or initiative of a nonprofit corporation."

This amendment is consistent with the purpose of the statute — to prevent the misuse of official tax communication — and serves to limit government endorsement of organizations or programs whose purpose or funding may be at issue in an election.

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