IdahoH 06862026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding employment of relatives and to provide an exemption regarding the employment of certain relatives.

Sponsored By: JUDICIARY, RULES AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Small-city hiring exception with safeguards

In cities under 10,000 people, a related person may be hired only when strict steps are met. The job must need specific training or experience, and the person must be qualified. The city must post the job at least 45 days, make good‑faith outreach, and keep written records. No qualified applicants apply during the posting period. The council must approve in an open meeting and disclose the family tie before the vote. The related official cannot supervise the hire; an unrelated supervisor is assigned. Pay increases are limited to cost‑of‑living or across‑the‑board raises unless the council approves more in an open meeting with a written reason. No position may be created just to hire a relative. This starts July 1, 2026.

No hiring close relatives in government

Public servants cannot appoint or vote to hire relatives within the second degree to jobs paid with public funds. The ban also covers deals to trade hires. Knowingly paying an ineligible person is a misdemeanor. Relatives of legislators cannot be hired for legislative jobs paid by public funds; pages are allowed. Relatives of mayors, city council members, and county commissioners cannot be hired into their city or county jobs paid by public funds. This takes effect July 1, 2026.

Stronger ethics rules for public servants

The law bars using public money or property for personal gain. It bars payments for official work, except small gifts up to $50. It bans using confidential information for gain or to harm an agency. Officials cannot have a financial interest in contracts they make. These rules apply to all public servants, unless another law allows it. Actions defined in section 74-403(4) are excluded. Public servants may do private business that is unrelated to their official work. For legislators, private income must not relate to any bill or official action. These changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Job protections for existing related employees

If you are related within the second degree to a local official and held your job before that official was elected, you keep the job. You may get general pay raises, step increases, and cost‑of‑living or across‑the‑board increases. You may also get bonuses or promotions. If you met the small‑city exception before the city grew past 10,000, you keep these rights. This does not create a property right. Your employer can still discipline, move, demote, or fire you. This takes effect July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

JUDICIARY, RULES AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Van T. Burtenshaw
Republican • Senate
Josh Wheeler
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 99 • No: 4

House vote • 3/16/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2026