Bill Description: House Bill 537 would expand Idaho's Open Meetings Law to require public bodies to allow time for public comments at most public meetings.

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NOTE: House Bill 537 is related to House Bill 228 (2025). Unlike last year’s bill, however, this version would not apply to legislative committee meetings.

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?

Section 74-203, Idaho Code, is part of Idaho's Open Meetings law. Although the law contains a variety of exceptions, it says most "meetings of a governing body of a public agency" are open to the public.

House Bill 537 would amend this law to add a new provision saying, "All meetings shall allow for public comment either in person or via telephone, video conferencing, or internet website devices and similar communications equipment." 

It provides a variety of details, including notice requirements and allowances for timed public comment periods.

It also says that “the governing body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting.”

This provision would not apply to "a special meeting held pursuant to section 74-204(2), Idaho Code." 

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