Idaho Legislature: Ask Legislators to VOTE YES on H0228 - Public meetings public comment (posted 02/15/25)

• Bill: legislature.idaho.gov/s…

• Contact Legislators (linked below):

(Check the linked page or use My Bill Tracker for the bill’s current status.)

_____________

H0228 mandates that all public meetings – except for special meetings – provide opportunities for public comment, either in-person or through electronic means such as telephone, video conferencing, or internet-based platforms. The bill offers many ways for citizens to engage with their elected and appointed officials, increasing transparency and public participation. Public meetings may end up being longer, but this is a reasonable trade-off.

Key points:

• Public comment options: In-person or electronically (e.g., telephone, video conferencing, or internet-based platforms).

• Governing bodies must clearly communicate how citizens can access and comment during meetings, including specifying methods for public participation in meeting notices and agendas.

• Cannot require public comments to be submitted in advance.

• Requires a reasonable time for public comment, either through timed periods for each agenda item or a general comment period.

• If technical disruptions prevent public access or comment, governing bodies must pause proceedings until issues are resolved.

• Applies to most public meetings, except for special meetings.

Minor flaws/suggested improvements:

• H0228 does not specify the option of written comments.

• H0228 does not define what constitutes a “special meeting.”

• Governing bodies may call more special meetings since such meetings are exempt from this law.