Bill > H0632

This bill establishes protections for public employees in Idaho by clarifying remedies for adverse actions taken against them and by creating new provisions for communications with the Legislature and for legislative public records requests. Specifically, it amends existing law to ensure that employees can seek damages and legal fees if they experience an adverse action because they engaged in protected activities, including communicating with the Legislature or providing information for legislative purposes. A new section is added to protect public employees from retaliation if they communicate in good faith with any member of the Idaho Legislature, legislative committee, or legislative staff about information, data, analysis, or professional expertise, even if it doesn't involve reporting abuse or waste, and also protects employees who assist with legislative requests or participate in legislative proceedings. Furthermore, a new section mandates that state government agencies must respond to public records requests from the Legislature or legislative staff within specific timeframes, acknowledging receipt within three working days and providing a substantive response within ten working days, with provisions for extensions under certain circumstances, while still respecting existing legal exemptions for confidential or otherwise protected information. Finally, the bill renumbers a section on severability and declares an emergency, setting an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0632/