Opinion ID: 1187815
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Idaho's Open Meetings Law.

Text: In 1974, the legislature declared that the formation of public policy is public business and shall not be conducted in secret. 1974 Idaho Sess.Laws, ch. 187, § 1, p. 1492, codified at I.C. § 67-2340. In order to implement this mandate, the legislature has declared that [a]ll meetings of a governing body of a public agency shall be open to the public and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting except as otherwise provided by this act. I.C. § 67-2342(1). An exception to the requirements of I.C. § 67-2342(1) otherwise provided by this act is made for meetings classified as executive sessions. I.C. § 67-2341(2) defines executive sessions as any meeting ... of a governing body which is closed to any persons for deliberation on certain matters. Such sessions are authorized for several types of matters, including when a governing body wishes to deliberate the dismissal of a public employee working under the supervision of that body. I.C. § 67-2345(1)(b). No executive session may be held, however, for the purpose of taking any final action or making any final decision. I.C. § 67-2345(3). Where only an executive session is held, notice first must first be given to the members of the governing body, and to the general public, stating the reason and the specific provision of law authorizing the executive session. I.C. § 67-2343. Finally, any action taken at any meeting in violation of Idaho's Open Meetings Act, shall be null and void. I.C. § 67-2347.