Tennessee Senate Bill SB1114

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 3/10/25
• Passed: 5/5/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25

Caption

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

Summary

SB1114 is a narrow amendment to Tennessee’s Public Records Act. The bill deletes Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(vi), which is one subdivision within the statute governing exceptions and procedures for public records requests. Because the bill text only removes that specific subdivision, its practical effect is to change how one category of records request is handled under state law without rewriting the broader public records framework. In general terms, the bill appears aimed at adjusting access to government records and the rules agencies must follow when responding to requests. By striking a specific statutory provision, it likely removes or alters an existing limitation, exemption, or procedural requirement tied to public records disclosure. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a legislative intent for prompt implementation.

Impact

The bill amends Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5 of the Tennessee Code, which governs public records requests, by deleting one subdivision from § 10-7-503(a)(7)(C)(vi). This changes the legal obligations of state and local government entities subject to the Public Records Act, as well as the rights of requesters seeking access to records covered by the deleted provision. The bill does not create a new program or broad new disclosure regime; instead, it makes a targeted statutory change that may expand access or eliminate a specific exception/procedure, depending on the content of the removed subdivision.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received positively and passed with strong support. It was recommended for passage in the Senate State & Local Government Committee by a 9-0 vote, adopted on the Senate floor by a 30-0 vote, and then passed on third consideration in the House by an 82-11 vote. The vote pattern suggests broad bipartisan agreement overall, though the final House vote indicates some opposition remained.

Contention

Because no committee transcript is available, the specific policy dispute is not documented in the provided materials. The main point of contention likely centered on the public records exception or procedure being removed: supporters may have viewed the change as improving transparency and access, while opponents may have been concerned about administrative burden, privacy, or the loss of a records exemption. The final House vote with 11 nays suggests some members had reservations, but the bill was not highly controversial in the legislative process.