74-605. EXCLUSIONS. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit:

(1) A public official or employee from speaking, campaigning, contributing personal money or otherwise exercising the public official’s or employee’s individual first amendment rights for political purposes, provided no public funds are used for expenditures supporting the public official or employee in such activity;

(2) A public entity, public official or employee from the neutral encouragement of voters to vote;

(3) An elected official or employee from personally campaigning or advocating for or against a ballot measure, provided no public funds, property or resources are used for supporting the elected official or employee in such activity;

(4) A public entity from preparing and distributing to electors an objective statement explaining the purpose and effect of the ballot measure, including in the case of bond or levy elections the cost per taxpayer or taxable value, or similar information based on reasonable estimates prepared in good faith;

(5) The formulation and publication of statements regarding proposed amendments to the state constitution, as authorized by section 67-453, Idaho Code;

(6) The publication of information described in sections 34-439, 34-439A and 34-1406, Idaho Code, as applicable, or other provisions of law requiring notices and disclosures in connection with elections and ballot measures; or

(7) A balanced student classroom discussion or debate of current or pending election issues.

History:

[74-605, added 2018, ch. 260, sec. 1, p. 617.]