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Colonial Heights board shortens public-comment limit to three minutes, adds cautionary language
Summary
The Colonial Heights School Board voted unanimously Oct. 28 to revise bylaws and related regulations to reduce the standard speaker time for public comment from five minutes to three, with the chair authorized to grant additional time. The board also added a line warning speakers that comments about individuals are made at their own risk.
The Colonial Heights School Board voted on Oct. 28 to change its bylaws and related policy language, reducing the time for public speakers from five minutes to three and adding a caution that comments about individuals are made “at their own risk.”
Board members said the changes align with other municipal bodies and provide the chair discretion to grant extra time when warranted. “You would have that right still to give that whole additional time,” a board member said, describing the chair’s authority under the revised language.
Supporters argued the change creates a consistent public‑comment process and could deter false or defamatory remarks. A staff member noted the added line is intended to balance First Amendment protections with responsibility for statements made in public meetings.
The board approved three related items by roll call: (1) a bylaw change shortening the speaker limit, (2) a policy revision BDDH‑R (public participation) to match the new time limit, and (3) a regulation K D‑R that updates the pre‑comment statement read aloud at meetings.
Why it matters: The revisions change how much time members of the public have to address the board unless the chair grants an extension; the new wording also warns speakers about potential consequences for defamatory remarks.
What’s next: The updated bylaw and policies are effective immediately per the board’s vote.
