Open records bill passes key Tenn. Senate committee

Tennessee’s Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed a new open records measure (SB 3280) today, sending the bill to the full chamber for a floor vote. If enacted, the bill would revamp the state’s public records law by, among other things, establishing a deadline for agencies to respond to information requests.

A companion bill (HB 3639) is scheduled to be heard on April 30 in the House State and Local Government Committee. Last week, the House committee tussled over several amendments that curb citizens’ access to open records.