Idaho Bills

Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions to protect public employees from certain adverse actions, to provide certain remedies for violations, and to provide special procedures for public record requests by the Legislature and legislative staff.

This legislation strengthens government transparency and protects public employees who communicate with the Idaho Legislature. It establishes clear protections for public employees who, in good faith, communicate with legislators, legislative committees, or legislative staff, including responding to legislative requests or participating in hearings. Agencies are prohibited from adopting or enforcing policies that restrict or require prior approval for such communications, while protections do not extend to knowingly false statements or unlawful disclosure of confidential information. The bill also requires executive branch agencies to respond in good faith and within defined timelines to public records requests from legislators or legislative staff acting on behalf of the Legislature, while preserving existing confidentiality protections.