Summary

Internal comments are updating the custom field of type "Last public comment date". This should happen only when adding public comments.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Create "Last public comment date" custom field type (enabled by JIRA Toolkit Plugin).
2. Create a ticket.
3. Type a comment and click "Comment Internally"

Please note - this field of type 'last public comment date' is not visible on issue view, but it can be seen on other places eg. the field can be exposed and seen in all issues/work items view.

Expected Results

The internal comment is added on the ticket and the custom field is not updated with this date.

As per the field description:

https://support.atlassian.com/jira-cloud-administration/docs/custom-fields-types-in-company-managed-projects/

Last public comment date

Date/time of last public comment (restricted comments are ignored). This field is searchable and sortable.

Actual Results

The custom field is updated with the date that an internal comment was added.

Note- the field is being updated for public comments and internal comments. However internal comments with restrictions when added do not update that field.

Workaround

Create a custom field of 'Date Time Picker' type and then an automation rule to update this field with now when the public comment is updated on the ticket

Steps:

• Trigger: Work item commented
• Add a condition to the trigger: comment.internal equals false
• Action: Edit workitem
  • Set the smart value 'now' for the custom field created for the 'Last public date'
    

Reference documentation:  Automation smart values

“Automation workaround might not work due to product functionality change or customization. As with all Automation rules, be aware of your Automation limits.“