Public Meetings in the era of COVID-19

LHTAC would like to share information and guidance on public meetings and Open Meeting Law.

The issue relates to public meetings conducted by cities, counties or highway districts where one or more of the elected officials is uncomfortable appearing in person. 

Letter shared from our lawyer on the matter (PDF)

Also, below you will find additional latitude provided by the Governor’s recent proclamation

Governor’s Proclamation (PDF)

Above please find a Proclamation addressing the Open Meeting Law (OML). In it, the Governor suspends a portion the requirements of the Open Meetings Act concerning the requirement to have a physical location for public meetings during the emergency declaration related to the coronavirus.
 
The Governor wants to do all he can to support all levels of state government in continuing to operate and provide services to the people of Idaho during this difficult time, while also ensuring the public continues to have access to its government.  The Proclamation is designed to address both of these important objectives.
 
This is being distribute to our locals and it is being asked for them to file with their respected Office of the Recorder of each County  This is required by Idaho Code section 46-1008(2).  Once it is recorded, please send a stamped copy to Hayden Rogers in our office at Hayden.Rogers@gov.idaho.gov