This bill amends the Open Meetings Law in Idaho to ensure that all public meetings conducted by governing bodies allow for public comment. Specifically, it introduces new requirements for public comment, including the necessity for governing bodies to provide notice of how the public can access meetings and submit comments, whether in person or through telecommunications methods such as telephone, video conferencing, or internet devices. The bill also stipulates that public comments do not need to be submitted in advance and outlines procedures for managing public comment periods during meetings.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 74-207 to affirm that the public has the opportunity to comment during meetings of legislative committees, aligning with the new public comment provisions established in Section 74-203. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 74-203, 74-207