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SB 1775

Open Meetings - As introduced, adds the governing body of a local education agency and any other local governing body of a public body with the authority to make binding decisions or the ability to appropriate funds to the list of governing bodies that are required to make meeting agendas available to the public in advance of such meetings. - Amends TCA Section 8-44-110.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Gardenhire

Tennessee bill requires school boards and local governing bodies to publicly post meeting agendas in advance, expanding transparency requirements across education and local government.

Signed by Governor.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1775

Legislative bill overview

SB 1775 expands Tennessee's open meetings law to require local education agencies (school boards) and other local governing bodies with decision-making or fund-appropriation authority to publish meeting agendas publicly in advance. This amendment to TCA Section 8-44-110 closes a gap in existing transparency requirements that may have previously exempted certain local bodies from advance agenda disclosure.

Why is this important

Public access to meeting agendas before they occur is foundational to government transparency and enables citizens, media, and stakeholders to prepare meaningful input on decisions affecting their communities—particularly education policy that directly impacts students and families. The bill addresses a potential loophole where some local governing bodies could operate with less public notice than state agencies, undermining accountability at the level of government closest to constituents.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The phrase "any other local governing body" with binding decision-making authority could cast a wide net, potentially capturing advisory boards or committees not traditionally subject to open meetings laws, creating compliance complexity
  • Implementation burden: Small municipalities and school districts with limited administrative staff may face resource challenges in consistently publishing agendas in advance, though the requirement itself is not burdensome
  • Timeline requirements: The bill does not specify how far in advance agendas must be posted, leaving potential interpretation disputes about what constitutes adequate notice

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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