Be an engaged citizen at the Idaho State Capitol. Your participation makes our democracy vibrant and remember it's YOUR liberty, YOUR statehouse!
- You do not need a permit to speak, assemble, or protest at the Idaho Statehouse or on the Capitol Mall.
- You can use the Statehouse grounds and Capitol Mall Grounds at all times of day or night, including for protests.
- There is no limit to the number of days in a row that you can protest outside the Statehouse or on the Capitol Mall.
- The State cannot impose fees or costs for protests held at the Statehouse grounds, or Capitol Mall Grounds, or waive rules for "government" events.
- The main Capitol steps on Jefferson, the 2nd floor Rotunda, and the Capitol grounds can be reserved for public events by phoning 208-332-1930 or through this Capitol Mall Services web page.
- The 1st and 4th floor rotunda spaces can be reserved for public events by contacting jcooper@lso.idaho.gov or 208-344-2475.
- Rooms inside the Capitol building can be reserved for public events by contacting hsgt@house.idaho.gov or 208-332-1150 (House side, during session), tfranks@house.idaho.gov or 208-331-1112 (House side, not during session) or jcooper@lso.idaho.gov or 208-332-2475 (Senate side, all year long)
If security, a police officer, or a State employee approaches you:
- Listen carefully to what the official has to say.
- If you disagree with anything you are told, ask the official to list the specific rules that apply.
- Make a record of what you were told, who you spoke with, when and where it happened, and who else was there. If you feel that officials are treating other groups at the Statehouse differently than you, document it.
- You have the right not to answer an official's questions and the right not to consent to searches of your belongings.
- If you feel your rights were violated, you can file a complaint online. The ACLU of Idaho reviews all complaints, but cannot assist in every case.
*These are general concepts that may not be appropriate in every situation. They are not a substitute for legal advice.
