On the theory that any slush fund is a potentially bad slush fund, several legislators have proposals to regulate — or ban — a type of account that currently allows elected officials to solicit and spend money without any reporting requirements.

The bills address “constituency accounts,” which officials have used for years without any oversight. They began as a fund for excess campaign donations, with the money to be used for constituency services. Over time, however, they have become a fund that can be tapped for almost any purpose.

Several bills would add a law requiring elected officials to report on the money like they do on campaign contributions and spending. Contributions from corporate donors would not be allowed. Sen. Roy Brown, R-Billings, has offered a bill to ban the accounts completely.

Senate Majority Leader Carol Williams, D-Missoula, the sponsor of one of the measures to regulate constituency accounts, said a ban goes too far, because the accounts allow elected officials to travel and provide information to constituents — legitimate functions that they shouldn’t have to use personal money for.

We aren’t aware of any scandalous use of constituency accounts, but we agree that some regulation certainly is in order. As any accountant will tell you, strict financial controls are for everybody’s protection.