Your Rights at the Idaho Statehouse

The Idaho State Capitol isn't just for lawmakers. It's also known as "The People's House" because it's a place for Idahoans to engage with the legislative process and make their voices heard.

Be an engaged citizen at the Idaho State Capitol. Your participation makes our democracy vibrant and remember, it's YOUR liberty, YOUR statehouse. Here's what you should know about your rights when interacting with the Idaho State Capitol.

What should I know about speaking, assembling, or protesting at the Idaho Statehouse?

A.What should I know about speaking, assembling, or protesting at the Idaho 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.
Certain areas of the Capitol are designated for "public use." In Idaho Code, these are: outside the capitol up to 15 feet away from the building, the rotunda, hallways on the first and second floors, restrooms, elevators, and stairways.
Outdoor Public Use Space includes: Jefferson Street steps, including the concrete and granite, and at least 15 feet from the exterior walls and windows of the capital

Birds Eye View of the Idaho State Capitol on a Map showing 8th street, state street, jefferson street, and 6th street

How do I organize an event at the Idaho State Capitol?

A.How do I organize an event at the Idaho State Capitol?

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 the Capitol Mall Services website.
The 1st and 4th floor rotunda spaces can be reserved for public events by calling 208-344-2475 or filling out an online form.
Rooms inside the Capitol building on the Senate side can be reserved for public events by calling 208-334-2475 or filling out an online form.
Rooms inside the Capitol building on the House side can be reserved for public events by contacting Jeff Wall, 208-332-1150 or [email protected] (during legislative session), and contacting Terri Franks-Smith, 208-332-1112 or [email protected] (outside of legislative session).

Which laws apply at the Idaho State Capitol?

A.Which laws apply at the Idaho State Capitol?

Idaho state law, Boise municipal ordinances, and Ada County ordinances, as well as fire, health, and safety codes.
Idaho State Police, Ada County Sheriffs, Boise City Police, and Idaho Capitol Security enforce these laws.
Weapons, drugs, or anything that can be deemed harmful are prohibited from the Capitol.
Posters, banners, signs, and other printed materials can’t be attached to walls or other surfaces in building. Printed materials have to be free standing (or you can hold them up) — you can’t lean things against the walls.
While in the gallery, you cannot wear anything that is considered "disruptive."
It’s a good idea to protect your privacy. You might consider disabling fingerprint and face recognition features and other strategies to protect information stored in your phone.

Can I be removed from the Idaho State Capitol?

A.Can I be removed from the Idaho State Capitol?

Lawmakers can ask cops to remove anyone from the statehouse if they violate local, state, and county laws.
Certain lawmakers (the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House) are allowed to deny public use in “legislative space” whenever they want.
You can be removed from the Capitol if you interfere with state business, injure someone, break a law, ignore a cop who asks you to follow the rules, engage in a riot or other gathering designed to interfere with official state business, or in the case of an emergency.

What can't I do at the Idaho State Capitol?

A.What can't I do at the Idaho State Capitol?

Sell things, camp, or have private events
Make loud noise in the hallways or hearing rooms
Interfere with “the primary use of the Idaho State Capitol” (legislative hearings, floor debates)
Bring animals (except service animals)
Use bikes, skates, skateboards, or scooters (people with disabilities may use motorized transportation)
Block fire hydrants, emergency vehicles, walkways, doors, or steps
Sit or hang things on railings in the Statehouse
Drop things over the railings from one level to another
Mark any part of the Capitol (including with chalk!)
Move furniture or other objects inside the building that you didn’t bring

If a security, police office, or State employee approaches you

A.If a security, police office, or 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.

READ THE CAPITOL USAGE GUIDELINES (UPDATED DECEMBER 2022)

Read Rules Governing the Use of the Exterior of State Property in the Capitol Mall and Other State Facilities IDAPA

Read IDAPA Rules Governing Use of Idaho State Capitol