1 bill · 2026 Regular Session
Amends existing law to provide an exemption for religious organizations in certain instances.
Under the Idaho Sunshine Law, churches and other religious organizations that support or oppose ballot measures run the risk of being compelled to publicly report and disclose the names and addresses of church and community members that tithe or otherwise financially contribute to the church. The vague and overbroad disclosure and reporting requirements in the Idaho Sunshine Law impose a chilling effect on church speech, thereby discouraging churches from speaking faithfully on the important cultural issues that are implicated by ballot initiatives. This legislation would clarify that churches are not non-business entities, as those terms are used in Chapter 66, Title 67, Idaho Code, and are therefore not subject to donor disclosure requirements under the Idaho Sunshine Law so long as the expenditures and contributions of the church does not exceed 10% of the church's total financial receipts.