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Boulder police oversight panel unanimously adopts stricter public‑comment rules, limits spoken comments to 2 minutes
Summary
The Boulder Police Oversight Panel voted unanimously to amend its bylaws to set a two‑minute limit on spoken public comments at monthly meetings and allow one submitted written comment up to 250 words to be read aloud by a co‑chair; the change takes effect immediately and was justified by staff as a measure to reduce legal risk and ensure uniform administration.
The Boulder Police Oversight Panel on May 5 voted to amend its bylaws so that speakers at monthly panel meetings may speak for up to two minutes on any topic and may alternatively submit one written comment of up to 250 words that a co‑chair will read aloud.
Chris (staff member) introduced the draft as an effort to reduce legal risk and remove discretionary time extensions by co‑chairs, saying the existing language allowed viewpoints to be treated differently and could expose the panel to a First Amendment challenge. He proposed uniform time limits, a 250‑word cap for written submissions and a process that allows panel members to respond after public comment is closed.
After discussion about wording and placement in the bylaws — members suggested changing the word “item” to “topic” to avoid confusion — a co‑chair moved to adopt the draft with the agreed edits. The motion passed unanimously with eight members voting in favor; the panel indicated it would implement the new rules immediately at the meeting’s public comment portion.
Panel members debated practical details before the vote, including how to administer word counts for written submissions and whether allowing responses by panelists immediately after each speaker could create lengthy back‑and‑forths. One member said the safest legal route was to allow two minutes on any subject so long as comments did not contain illegal threats; another warned that immediate responses can derail the meeting and suggested reserving replies until all speakers have finished.
The amendment requires a two‑thirds vote of the full panel under the current bylaws for bylaw changes; because eight members were present, the measure needed and received unanimous support that evening to enact the change.
Panel staff said notices to the public would reflect the change; members were also advised that co‑chairs will administer the new limits equitably. The written‑comment option is intended to allow members of the public who prefer not to speak to submit a short statement that will be read into the record.
The panel moved on to other business after confirming the amendment and announcing it to the public.
