Bill > H0510

This bill aims to protect public employees from certain negative actions and improve transparency in government by establishing new provisions and amending existing laws. Specifically, it revises remedies available to employees who allege violations of certain chapters, clarifying the proof required to win such cases and adding protections for employees who communicate with the Legislature or legislative staff, even if their communication isn't about reporting abuse or waste, as long as it's done in good faith. The bill also creates a new process for public records requests made by the Legislature and its staff, requiring government agencies to respond within specific timeframes, generally acknowledging requests within three working days and providing a substantive response within fifteen working days, with provisions for delays under certain circumstances. Importantly, it clarifies that these protections do not apply to knowingly false statements or unlawful disclosure of confidential information, and it also renumbers a section related to the severability of the act's provisions, declaring an emergency and setting an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0510/