Idaho Secretary of State’s Office Issues Nine Fines in 2024

By Greg Pruett • January 21, 2025

According to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, they issued nine fines based on complaints filed in 2024.

From January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the SOS office received 147 complaints. With nine individuals or organizations receiving fines, the rate of fines issued is approximately 6%, according to a public records request Idaho Dispatch obtained.

Currently, the SOS office says it has 10 open complaints it is still reviewing.

Who received the fines, and what were they for? It should be noted that the letters from the SOS may be addressed to the representative of an organization and not necessarily to the individual responsible for the mistake or violation. Here is the complete list in order of newest-issued fine to oldest, based on the dates of the letters:

January 2, 2025 – Ashley Britain and Tyler Hurst (NS Group) – Fined $1,000 for “impermissible coordination.” (Idaho Code 67-6603)
December 26, 2025 – Cortney Rodriguez (Teton County Republican Central Committee) – Fined $50 for “incorrect and untimely filings.” (Idaho Code 67-6602(10) and 67-6611(4))
November 15, 2024 – Mike Kingsley (Idaho Freedom Caucus PAC) – Fined $750 for “improperly reporting an expenditure.” (Idaho Code 67-6610A)
November 15, 2024 – Brent Regan (Kootenai County Republican Central Committee) – Fined $1,000 for “improperly reporting an expenditure” and “exceeding the contribution limit to a candidate.” (Idaho Codes 67-6607 and 67-6610A)
September 5, 2024 – Brennan Summers (Main Street Idaho) – Fined $500 for “failing to register as a lobbyist.” (Idaho Code 67-6617)
August 19, 2024 – Amy Larsen (Idaho Conservatives for Liberty PAC) – Fined $1,000 for “failing to register and appoint a political treasurer” and “failing to properly report an independent expenditure.” (Idaho Codes 67-6603 and 67-6611(4))
May 14, 2024 – Matt Thompson (Bingham County Republican Central Committee) – Fined $1,000 for “failing to properly report contributions and expenditures.” (Idaho Code 67-6607)
May 10, 2024 – Hilber Nelson (Magic Valley Liberty Alliance) – Fined $1,000 for “failing to register as a political committee,” “failing to properly report contributions and expenditures,” and “failing to indicate who paid for the publication of statements in political communication.” (Idaho Codes 67-6603, 67-6607, and 67-6614A)
April 19, 2024 – Josh Kohl (State Senate candidate) – Fined $100 for “lack of attribution” on a mailer. (Idaho Code 67-6614A)

Idaho Dispatch asked Secretary of State Phil McGrane why the rate of fines is so low. Communications Director for the SOS office, Chelsea Carattini, told us,

“When we receive complaints, we determine if they are under the state’s purview or the county’s and direct the latter to the county clerks. Each case is unique, and we take an individualized approach to ensure fairness. While all complaints are treated as having merit until investigated, many do not result in fines because they do not involve actual violations of campaign finance laws.

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For example, some complaints concern minor or easily corrected issues, such as a missing disclaimer that is later found to be present or a contributor’s name being misspelled. We also strive to strike a careful balance between enforcing laws and respecting free speech rights, ensuring that our actions do not unintentionally hinder lawful political expression. Generally, we prioritize encouraging compliance over issuing fines.”

When asked how the SOS office determines the amount for each monetary fine, Carattini said,

“The fines we issue are capped at $250 for candidates and $2,500 for PACs. The specific amount is determined based on the severity of the violation and how responsive the individual or organization is to correcting the issue. Violations can range from a missing disclaimer to failing to report a $20,000 independent expenditure.”

Idaho Dispatch also asked how long it takes, on average, for each complaint to be completed. Carattini responded by saying,

“The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. For simpler issues, such as a missing disclaimer, the problem can often be resolved in just a few minutes. However, more complex cases take longer, especially if we must collaborate with the Attorney General’s office or if there are difficulties in contacting the party involved.”

Finally, Idaho Dispatch asked the SOS office what changes they would like to see, if any, to the current system. To that question, Carattini said,

“We’re currently working with Speaker Moyle on legislation this session to update campaign finance laws. The existing laws were a result of a citizen’s initiative in the 1970’s and read like a citizen’s initiative from the 70’s. The fine structure is outdated and inherently difficult to enforce. We operate with the idea that the punishment should fit the crime. While we have some discretion, the current system applies the same fine cap regardless of whether the error involves $1,000 or $100,000.”

Idaho Dispatch is also waiting to hear about a complaint we filed in mid-December regarding political activist Greg Graf. We will provide an update when the SOS office offers an answer to our complaint.

What do you think about Idaho’s current Sunshine laws? Let us know in the comments below.