Tennessee Senate Bill SB0215

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 86; Title 10 and Title 38, relative to records.

Impact

The enactment of SB0215 would have significant implications for public records management within Tennessee. By increasing the deadline for response to records requests, the bill reflects a legislative intent to provide state agencies with additional time to process requests. This could impact individuals and entities seeking information, as they may experience extended waiting periods for access to public records. Nonetheless, supporters argue that this adjustment will help ensure that agencies can fulfill requests more comprehensively and thoughtfully, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the records provided.

Summary

Senate Bill 215 (SB0215) is an act aimed at amending several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated pertaining to records. The core change proposed in this bill is altering the timeline within which public records must be made available, extending the current requirement from ten days to twenty days. This modification seeks to clarify and potentially streamline the process of public record accessibility, reflecting a balance between public transparency and administrative capacity.

Sentiment

Discussion surrounding SB0215 has reflected a range of sentiments. Proponents of the bill characterize it as a necessary adjustment to align administrative capacity with public demand, framing it as an enhancement to government efficiency. Conversely, critics express concerns that extending the response time could hinder transparency and accessibility, which are cornerstones of democratic governance. This dichotomy highlights the ongoing debate about how best to balance effective records management with the public's right to information.

Contention

The primary contention within the discourse around SB0215 pertains to the potential trade-off between efficiency and transparency. While the bill is presented as a mechanism to improve the quality of responses to records requests, opponents argue that lengthening the timeline could obstruct timely access to information that is crucial for civic engagement and oversight. Stakeholders are divided on whether the benefits of enhanced administrative capacity justify the risks associated with delayed access to public records.