public comment

plural public comments

1. governmentInput given by the public to governmental (or rarely other) bodies, about proposed legislation or regulation(s), during a period—and by means—set aside and prescribed by law.

   The purpose of the hearings, according to John Dyer, RTD general manager, will be to receive public comment on the environmental impact statement

   1983 July 14, “Public Hearings on Metro Rail Impact Study Set”, in Los Angeles Times

   2 more examples

   The draft code, which is out for public comment, calls for regular meetings between the external auditors and the regulators of major financial firms and also encourages more informal dialogue

   2011 February 10, Brooke Masters, “Bank auditors to help provide early warning system”, in Financial Times

   The public comment deadline on the plan had been Thursday. But numerous people wanted more time to consider and comment on the plan, and the agencies agreed. Comments will now be accepted until March 3.

   2011 February 16, Matt Weiser, “Public will have more time to comment on location of flooding nerve center”, in Sacramento Bee

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see public, comment.