Starting July 1, 2026, people attending most open public meetings may record audio, video, or photographs, subject to listed exceptions and order rules.
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What it does
People attending most open public meetings may record audio, video, or photographs. Officials may protect orderly conduct but cannot ban or unreasonably restrict recording; listed exceptions apply.
Argument forRecordings could help residents review public decisions and share what happened with people who could not attend.
Argument againstRecording could make orderly meetings harder, even though governing bodies may take measures to manage conduct.
More detail
People attending an open public meeting may record audio, video, or photographs. The rule covers open meetings of public-agency governing bodies. A governing body may take steps to keep the meeting orderly. It may not ban or unreasonably restrict recording. A person may not be removed or excluded for recording under this provision. The rule does not apply to executive sessions, meetings or hearings at Idaho correctional facilities, or meetings or hearings held by the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. The provision takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies from that date forward.
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Where do you stand?
Choose your position
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Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
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More on this bill
Where it stands
Introduced
Passed 1st Chamber
Passed 2nd Chamber
To Governor
Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
2026
Apr 2Reported Signed by Governor Brad Little on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 281 Effective: 07/01/2026Became Law
Apr 1Delivered to Governor at 4:12 p.m. on April 1, 2026To Governor
Apr 1Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to GovernorMinor
Apr 1Signed by President; returned to HouseMajor
Apr 1Received from the House enrolled/signed by SpeakerMajor
Apr 1Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to SenateMajor
Mar 31Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for EnrollingMinor
Vote recorded Read third time in full –. Result: pass.Upper
Mar 31Read third time in full – PASSED - 33-0-2AYES – Adams, Bernt, Bjerke(Bjerke), Blaylock, Burtenshaw, Carlson, Cook, Den Hartog, Foreman, Galloway, Grow, Guthrie, Harris, Hart, Keyser, Kohl, Lakey, Lenney, Lent, Nichols, Okuniewicz, Rabe, Ricks, Ruchti, Semmelroth, Shippy, Taylor, VanOrden, Ward-Engelking, Wintrow, Woodward, Zito, ZuiderveldNAYS – NoneAbsent and excused – Anthon, ToewsFloor Sponsor - HarrisTitle apvd - to HousePassed 2nd Chamber
Mar 27Read second time; filed for Third ReadingMinor
Mar 26Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second readingMinor
Mar 25Introduced, read first time; referred to: State AffairsMinor
Mar 25Received from the House passed; filed for first reading