The proposed bill amends the North Dakota Century Code by creating a new section in chapter 44-04 that mandates public entities, including cities, counties, townships, school districts, park districts, and water resource districts, to provide an opportunity for public comment during their regular meetings. The bill specifies that every regular meeting must include this opportunity, and individuals wishing to comment must submit their name and address in writing. Notably, the individual's address is classified as an exempt record, ensuring privacy.

Additionally, the governing bodies of these public entities are granted the authority to establish policies regarding public comment. These policies may include limitations on the time allocated for each speaker or the total time for public comments. The bill outlines that comments must be relevant to the public entity, should not disrupt the meeting's order, and must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful. Furthermore, public comments may be restricted if alternative procedures exist for addressing the issues raised, if they contain confidential information, or if they are otherwise prohibited by law.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 44-04-19