A group of public information advocates is proposing an easier alternative to resolve denied public records requests in Idaho. Earlier this month, the Idaho Press Club proposed a bill that would create a new process akin to a “small claims” court, the Idaho Statesman reports.

Under current law, requesters’ only recourse to a denied request is to sue. “The sole remedy for a person aggrieved by the denial of a request for disclosure is to institute proceedings in the district court,” Idaho Code section 74-115 reads.

Under the Press Club’s new proposal, requesters would pay a $100 filing fee and bring their request before a judge in their local district court. This process is similar to one in Ohio, which charges a $25 fee.

The bill, House Bill 600, is currently being discussed in the state legislature’s Local Government Committee.

We at Brechner suggest the filing fee be dropped to $25, or even free, as it is in Connecticut’s alternative dispute resolution system. See how amazing these systems can be in a study recently published in our Journal of Civic Information.

Next study needed: How much money could be saved, for government and requesters, through these more efficient channels, rather than expensive litigation. Encouraging alternatives to superior court can help a lot of people – and government agencies!

Posted: February 19, 2026
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Secrecy Tracker