Bill Description: Senate Bill 1304 would require public agencies to provide an opportunity for relevant public testimony during their meetings.

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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?

Senate Bill 1304 would create Section 74-204A, Idaho Code, to provide legislative intent and to require public agencies to provide an opportunity for relevant public testimony during their meetings.

It would say, "It is the intent of the legislature that members of the public be able to address government on issues that directly affect the public."

To accomplish this goal, the bill would require that all meetings of a public agency "shall provide a reasonable opportunity for public testimony to address matters pertaining to a public agency."

It also says the issues to be addressed before the public agency "shall be limited to only those matters that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the agency" and citizens "may address the public agency on issues within the jurisdiction of the public agency's authority."

The bill allows agencies to adopt reasonable meeting-related policies that afford citizens a reasonable opportunity to participate prior to the final decision." It also allows agencies to limit "the meeting time allocated for public testimony" and "the amount of time for individuals to speak to no less than two (2) minutes."

Providing an opportunity for individuals to address public agencies provides an increased degree of accountability for the agencies and could also encourage increased awareness of agency activity among the public, which could improve practical transparency. 

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