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ID H0632
Bill
Status
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
State Affairs Committee
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AI Summary
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Public employees may communicate in good faith with Idaho legislators, legislative committees, or legislative staff regarding information, data, analysis, or professional expertise without employer retaliation, even if the communication does not constitute a formal report of abuse, waste, or legal violations.
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Employers are prohibited from adopting policies that restrict employee communications with the legislature, require prior approval for such communications, or subject employees to discipline for participating in legislative hearings, briefings, or inquiries.
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Executive branch agencies must acknowledge legislative public records requests within 3 working days and provide substantive responses within 10 working days, with a possible 10-day extension for extraordinary circumstances.
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Employees who suffer adverse action for protected legislative communications may bring civil action within 180 days seeking injunctive relief or actual damages, with noneconomic damages capped under existing Section 6-1603(1) limits.
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Declared an emergency measure with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
Legislative Description
Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions to protect public employees from certain adverse actions, to provide certain remedies for violations, and to provide special procedures for public record requests by the Legislature and legislative staff.
GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND ETHICS
Last Action
Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs
2/17/2026