- 2023, Government
Required time for public comment in public meetings.
HB 448 / SB 551
Bill Description
State Government – As enacted, requires governmental entities to provide a period of public comment for public meetings; authorizes the governmental entities to place reasonable restrictions on the period for public comment.
Bill Sponsors
Rep. Elaine Davis
Sen. Adam Lowe
Bill Co-Sponsors
House: Fritts, Cepicky, Hardaway, Lynn, Slater
Senate: Jackson
TLRC Statement on Bill
We have seen several instances throughout the state, especially post-COVID, where local governing bodies sought to severely limit or altogether eliminate public comment in public meetings. This is an unfortunate outcome of the increased participation we have seen from the public in recent years, especially in local school board meetings. The public should be involved. More importantly, they have a right to be involved.
This bill clarifies in the law that where actionable items exist on the agenda of a public meeting, it is required that public comment be allowed and a process set forth to notify the public of how they can be involved.
Vote Result:
Passed
TLRC Position:
SUPPORT
