An Act to Reinforce Free Speech at Town Meetings by Requiring Opportunity for Public Comment
Sponsored By: Benjamin Hymes (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Public comment required at local meetings
Local governing bodies must allow public comment at their regular public meetings. You can speak on items the body is addressing. This does not apply to subcommittee meetings. Towns and cities may set reasonable rules, like time limits and conduct standards.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Benjamin Hymes
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Alicia Collins
Republican • House
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
David Boyer
Republican • House
Gary Drinkwater
Republican • House
Matt A. Harrington
Republican • Senate
Reagan Paul
Republican • House
Tracy Quint
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 409
6/22/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/9/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/9/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-509) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-509), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/5/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-509).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/4/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on March 14, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
3/14/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-509), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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