Bill Description: House Bill 97 would require the State Controller to maintain and publish a list of agreements entered into by and among government entities. 

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Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

House Bill 97 would create Section 67-1085, Idaho Code, to require "all state officers and departments, divisions, bureaus, and agencies of the state of Idaho" to "report to the state controller any agreement entered into, including any memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding, within ten (10) days of the state officer or department, division, bureau, or agency entering into such agreement."

The reporting entity is also required to "provide a contact person for the agreement and a digital copy of the agreement." 

The bill would further instruct the State Controller to "store, maintain, and publish a current list of all such agreements." 

There is an exception in that the Controller may not publicly disclose an agreement that is "sealed or exempt from disclosure under the public records act." But the agreement must still be reported to the Controller.

These requirements will increase public awareness of a multitude of little-known agreements entered into, by, and among government entities.

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