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H 103

OPEN MEETINGS LAW – Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding multiple action items on an agenda.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 103 improves Idaho's Open Meetings Law by clarifying agenda rules and voting procedures for multiple action items, enhancing transparency for public agencies and citizens.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
#cities #counties #government #meetings #public
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Bill Summary · H 103

Summary of House Bill H 103: Open Meetings Law Amendments

Bill Number: H 103
Title: OPEN MEETINGS LAW – Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding multiple action items on an agenda.
Status: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
Introduced: January 31, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Cities, Counties, Government, Meetings, Public

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 103 aims to enhance the clarity and functionality of the Open Meetings Law in Idaho by establishing specific provisions for handling multiple action items on meeting agendas. The bill seeks to ensure that public agencies can effectively manage and communicate decisions made during meetings, particularly when multiple actions are involved.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Section 74-204 of the Idaho Code and introduces the following key changes:

  1. Agenda Requirements:

    • Each meeting must have a posted agenda, which can be amended under specific conditions.
    • An agenda item requiring a vote must be labeled as an "action item."

  2. Amendment Procedures:

    • If an agenda is amended more than 48 hours before a regular meeting or 24 hours before a special meeting, the amendment is effective upon posting.
    • Amendments proposed within 48 hours of a regular meeting or 24 hours of a special meeting must be voted on at the meeting to become effective.
    • Amendments can be made during a meeting, but final action on newly added items requires an emergency declaration.

  3. Voting on Action Items:

    • Any action item that includes multiple decisions (e.g., consent calendars) must be approved by unanimous consent. If unanimous consent is not achieved, each item must be voted on separately.

Who Would Be Affected

The provisions of this bill would primarily affect:
- Public Agencies: Local governments, city councils, and other public entities that conduct meetings.
- Citizens and Stakeholders: Individuals attending public meetings who seek transparency and clarity regarding the decisions being made.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal note accompanying the bill indicates that it will have no additional expenditure of funds at the state or local level and will not affect revenue. Therefore, it is deemed to have no fiscal impact.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 31, 2025, and has been reported printed and referred to the State Affairs Committee as of February 3, 2025.
  • An emergency clause is included, stating that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill H 103 seeks to improve the transparency and efficiency of public meetings in Idaho by clarifying how multiple action items are handled on agendas. By establishing clear procedures for agenda amendments and voting, the bill aims to enhance public participation and understanding of governmental decision-making processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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