CAMPAIGN FINANCE – Amends existing law to require all contributions and loans to a candidate or political committee to be deposited into a separate campaign account, to prohibit commingling of funds, and to require loans from a candidate to such candidate’s campaign to be reported to the Secretary of State.

H 598 (Idaho) requires all campaign contributions and loans to a candidate or political committee to be deposited into a separate, dedicated campaign account, prohibiting mixing with personal or business funds. It specifically mandates that if a candidate loans personal funds to their own campaign, the full amount must be deposited into this account and reported to the Secretary of State within seven days. The bill directly affects Idaho candidates and political committees by establishing clearer financial separation and reporting requirements for campaign finances. Key provisions include mandatory separate accounting, detailed 7-day reporting for candidate loans, and requirements for the political treasurer to maintain and preserve campaign records. This law aims to increase transparency in campaign fund handling without altering contribution limits or eligibility rules.