School Trespass Amendments

HB 477 clarifies that public comments at school board meetings following reasonable restrictions (like relevance to school board duties) cannot be used as grounds for criminal trespass charges. It also narrows the definition of "school property" under trespass laws to exclude school district offices and other non-school facilities owned by school districts. The bill requires school boards to adopt written policies by July 2023 allowing public comment on relevant topics during open meetings, while ensuring comments complying with these rules won’t trigger trespass penalties. These changes directly affect school boards (which must create comment policies) and attendees at school meetings (whose comments gain legal protection). The bill takes effect on May 7, 2025, with no funding impact.