Bill > SB2180

This bill establishes a new requirement for public entities in North Dakota, including cities, counties, townships, school districts, park districts, and water resource districts, to include a public comment opportunity during their regular meetings. The bill mandates that individuals providing comments must submit their name and address in writing, with the address being kept confidential. Public entities may implement reasonable limitations on public comments, such as setting time limits per speaker or total comment time, and restricting comments to agenda topics from the current and previous meetings. Each governing body must develop a policy for public comments that ensures comments are pertinent to the public entity, do not disrupt the meeting, and are not defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful. The bill also allows entities to prohibit comments that have alternative procedures for submission, contain confidential information, or are otherwise prohibited by law. This legislation aims to enhance public participation and transparency in local government meetings while maintaining an orderly and productive meeting environment.

Government Affairs

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2180.html