Idaho2026Active
H0537
Idaho Open Meetings Law Update
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:59 AM
In one sentence
This bill changes Idaho law to require all open public meetings of governing bodies to allow for public comment.
What it does
- Requires every open public meeting to include a time for members of the public to offer comments.
- Allows people to give their comments in person or by using phones, video calls, or internet websites.
- Stops governing bodies from asking people to write down and send their comments before the meeting starts.
- Requires agencies to make reasonable efforts to fix technical problems that stop people from joining online or speaking if they happen during a meeting.
- Sets rules for how long public comment times must last so groups cannot end them early.
Who it affects
- Governing bodies of all public agencies in Idaho
- Members of the public who attend meetings or want to speak at them
Limits and unknowns
- These new rules do not apply to special meetings held under a different section of Idaho law.
- The bill does not change which specific groups are already allowed to hold private deliberations, such as the Board of Tax Appeals or insurance guaranty associations.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Governing body
- The group that makes decisions for a public agency.
- Public comment
- A time during the meeting when regular citizens can speak to share their opinions on topics being discussed.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Open meetings, public comment
Official activity
Bill history
- H St Aff