Bill Description: House Bill 497 would clarify that someone elected to federal, statewide, or legislative office cannot also serve as an elected officer of a city, school district, or highway district. 

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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 497 would amend Section 59-901, Idaho Code, to say, "Subscribing to the oath of office for an elective federal, statewide, or legislative office shall create a vacancy of any other elective office held in any city, school district, or highway district."

It would clarify that this provision "shall not apply to a person who subscribes to the oath of office for a state legislative office as a temporary substitute pursuant to section 67-412, Idaho Code, or as an emergency interim successor pursuant to sections 67-413 through 67-426, Idaho Code."

Although it is rare for someone elected to a federal, statewide, or legislative office to decide to also remain in an elected position for a city, school district, or highway district, it does happen occasionally, and it creates an obvious conflict of interest. 

House Bill 497 would remove such conflicts by clarifying that one person should not serve simultaneously in two elected positions.

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