State Board of Equalization formalizes public‑comment guidelines; committee issues positive recommendation

The State Board of Equalization presented a permanent rule to formalize public‑comment procedures at board meetings; the joint Government Operations Committee approved a positive recommendation Jan. 27.

Robin Pope, executive secretary for the State Board of Equalization, and Carolyn Grassy from the Comptroller’s office said the rule adopts guideline language the board has used since 2023. The guidelines set modest notification and registration requirements so the board can ensure virtual and in‑person commenters are connected and that meeting logistics (time allocation, access links) are accommodated; the chair retains discretion to extend comment opportunities.

Board staff said public comment has been limited — typically one or two persons and rarely more than five at a single meeting since the guidelines were first used — and that the rule was adopted primarily because the agency has rulemaking authority and the guidelines needed to be codified in rule.

Representative Monty Fritts and other members cautioned against creating barriers to public input; board staff said the rule preserves chair discretion to extend comment opportunities and that meetings are advertised on the board’s website and calendar pages. Representative Reedy moved for a positive recommendation; the committee recorded Senate ayes on roll call and the House approved by voice vote.

No public commenters appeared at the committee meeting.