Committee debates a lighter-touch approach to public-comment rules for local governments

The State and Local Government Committee held a broad discussion about a proposed approach to regulating public comment at local public meetings, agreeing in principle on requiring that public bodies adopt policies but expressing sharp concern about a one-size-fits-all state mandate.

Chair Roars and several senators said they were reluctant to have the state dictate a single schedule (for example, quarterly) for public comment across widely varying entities. "Not all public meetings are the same," the chair said, noting that a township that meets once a year cannot be held to the same standard as a city commission that meets weekly. Senator Lee and others favored asking public bodies to create and publish a policy that provides regular opportunities and gives guidance on how members of the public can request time to speak.

Senator Wallen emphasized the distinction between meetings "in public" and "public meetings," noting that some gatherings are held publicly but do not include a public comment segment. Senator Castaneda said he supported a requirement that entities develop a policy but expressed concern that some bodies might comply only in form — "we're gonna hold one public meeting a year" — and suggested the committee continue to refine language to discourage that kind of minimal compliance.

Multiple senators recommended drafting a light-touch bill requiring a written public-comment policy that encourages notice and access and that local bodies be given flexibility to tailor frequency and procedural rules to local circumstances. The committee asked for an amendment draft and asked Senator Castaneda to work with legislative counsel and the bill's drafter to craft language for a future meeting.