HOUSE BILL 172: Best practices

March 10, 2025, marked a major step forward for transparency in Idaho government as Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 172 into law. This bill adds new language to Idaho Code § 74-204 codifying best practices on the use of consent agendas, also known as consent calendars, in public meetings — a gap previously unaddressed in Idaho’s Open Meeting Laws.

The consent agenda allows multiple routine and noncontroversial items to be bundled into a single item on a meeting’s agenda. A vote is taken to accept everything listed under the consent agenda without debate to streamline meetings.

HB 172 now ensures, like the recently rescinded Hayden Ordinance 214 did, that any member of a governing body can request an item be removed from the consent agenda bundle for later discussion and vote. This simple, common-sense reform strengthens transparency, restores accountability and prevents “logrolling” and rubber stamping. 

This law protects the public’s right to transparency in open meetings and ensures the consent agenda serves its intended purpose which is to save time, but not to bypass public scrutiny.

I’m grateful to Kelley Packer, executive director of the Association of Idaho Cities, for her leadership, and to Senator Geoff Schroeder for his legal guidance in crafting the bill’s language. A heartfelt thank you to Representative Elaine Price and Senator Ben Toews for championing HB 172. Every Idaho lawmaker — Republican and Democrat — recognized the need for this reform and voted unanimously to make this bill law. And finally, thank you to Governor Little for signing the bill just four hours after it reached his desk. HB 172 is a win-win for Idaho elected officials and their constituents.

SANDY WHITE

Hayden