Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1293

Introduced
2/6/25  
Refer
2/25/25  
Refer
3/12/25  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5, relative to public records requests.

Impact

If enacted, HB1293 would lead to a modification of the procedures outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5, concerning the management of public records. The specific amendment involves the deletion of a subdivision related to current stipulations surrounding public records requests. This has implications for both individuals and governmental entities, as it could eliminate certain restrictions or procedural hurdles that may have been in place, thus potentially speeding up the process for obtaining public documents.

Summary

House Bill 1293 seeks to amend certain provisions in the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting public records requests. The primary objective of this bill is to streamline existing regulations and potentially enhance government transparency by addressing how requests for public records are managed and fulfilled. This amendment signifies a legislative effort to ensure that citizens can access public records more efficiently, thereby fostering trust between residents and state officials.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1293 appears to be cautiously positive. Advocates for transparency and public accountability may view the bill favorably as a step towards better governance, while government officials might express support for streamlined processes that reduce administrative burdens. However, stakeholders may also raise concerns about what the elimination of certain provisions may entail and whether it might inadvertently lead to less oversight in specific areas.

Contention

While there may not be substantial public opposition to HB1293 at present, the removal of specific legal provisions surrounding public records could be a point of contention in future discussions. Stakeholders may critically evaluate whether this amendment serves to genuinely improve access to public information or if it raises new questions about accountability and transparency. The bill's impact will ultimately depend on the reactions from the public and governmental agencies regarding how these changes are implemented.

Companion Bills

TN SB1114

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5, relative to public records requests.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.