Idaho Capitol Watch
HB 510: GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND ETHICS – 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.
This bill protects public employees from retaliation for communicating in good faith with Idaho legislators, committees, or staff. It prohibits agencies from restricting such contacts or requiring prior approval. Executive branch agencies must acknowledge legislative public records requests within 3 working days and respond substantively within 15 working days (with one possible extension). The measure amends the Whistleblower Act to include these protections and updates the Public Records Act. It declares an emergency with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill was introduced by the State Affairs Committee, printed, and referred to that committee.
Status
Reported Printed (January 22, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho House · Introduced January 21, 2026
Sponsors
- STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JRA for Printing
Bill history
- January 21, 2026 — House: Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
- January 22, 2026 — House: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
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