Tennessee House Bill HB0389

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Failed: 3/7/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44, relative to meetings conducted with electronic participation.

Impact

The bill imposes several restrictions on electronic participation to maintain the integrity of traditional legislative processes. For instance, it specifies that a maximum of 20% of the legislative body may attend electronically, and participation is limited to two times per year for each member. Furthermore, a quorum must be present at the physical location of the meeting. This structure aims to balance the benefits of technological integration with the need for accountability and transparency in local governance.

Summary

House Bill 0389 amends various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the regulations governing electronic participation in legislative body meetings. The bill outlines specific conditions under which members can participate electronically, including family or medical emergencies, military service, or inclement weather. The intention of HB0389 is to modernize the process of conducting meetings, allowing for increased participation while still ensuring that traditional in-person attendance remains the norm.

Contention

While supporters argue that allowing electronic participation can enhance accessibility and flexibility for legislators, opponents may raise concerns about the potential dilution of in-person engagement. There is a fear that habitual use of electronic means could weaken the relationship-building and direct communication that often occurs in physical meetings. Moreover, the stipulation that electronic participation be available under strict conditions—such as medical emergencies only—could be contested as too limiting in the context of modern work-life challenges.