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SB 1826

Open Meetings - As enacted, authorizes emergency communications district boards of directors to participate in board meetings electronically under the open meetings law. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 86, Part 3 and Title 8, Chapter 44, Part 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

Allows Emergency Communications District boards to participate in meetings electronically when legally allowed, expanding open meetings rules to include ECD governing bodies.

Pub. Ch. 1099
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Bill Summary · SB 1826

Summary of Bill SB 1826 (Session 114) — Tennessee

Title

Open Meetings: Authorizes emergency communications district (ECD) boards of directors to participate in meetings electronically under the open meetings law. Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 86, Part 3 and Title 8, Chapter 44, Part 1.

Purpose and Intent

  • To allow local Emergency Communications District boards of directors, with the support of the Emergency Communications Board, to participate in meetings by electronic means whenever electronic participation is authorized for meetings by law.
  • The change expands the definition of “governing body” to explicitly include ECD boards, ensuring they can qualify for electronic meeting participation under open meetings rules.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Section 8-44-108(a)(2) to redefine “governing body” to include emergency communications district boards of directors assisted by the Emergency Communications Board created by § 7-86-302.
  • Enables electronic participation for ECD board meetings that are legally authorized for public or member participation, aligning with existing electronic participation provisions for other governing bodies.
  • The bill’s effective date is “upon becoming law,” per the catchphrase “the public welfare requiring it.”

Who Is Affected

  • Local Emergency Communications District boards of directors (ECD boards) and their members.
  • The Emergency Communications Board, which assists ECD boards.
  • General public health/governance in Tennessee by enabling more flexible meeting participation for ECD governance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • No new meetings are mandated; rather, it permits electronic participation where allowed by law.
  • The legislation aligns with existing electronic participation frameworks (e.g., as referenced in § 8-44-108(b) regarding electronic participation if there is a physical quorum or a necessity determination).
  • Selected fiscal note indicates potential permissive decrease in local expenditures due to reduced travel reimbursements for directors attending remotely. Exact amount and timing are unknown.
  • Effective date: immediate upon becoming law (no separate transition period).

Fiscal Impact (Summary)

  • Potential permissive decrease in local expenditures for travel reimbursement to ECD board members.
  • The extent and timing of any fiscal impact are uncertain due to multiple variables (board size, travel policies, frequency of meetings).
  • Not anticipated to cause significant structural changes to the number of meetings.

Additional Context

  • Tennessee currently has about 100 local ECD boards with typically 7–9 members meeting quarterly; members serve without compensation, though local per diem/travel policies may vary.
  • The bill clarifies that participation by electronic means does not count as physical presence for compensation purposes if compensation depends on physical presence, though per diem and travel reimbursement may still be allowed for electronic participation.

Status (as of latest action)

  • Passed House (Ayes 75, Nays 6, PNV 0) on 2026-04-21.
  • Previously passed Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0) on 2026-03-09.
  • Introduced in January 2026; sponsor: Senator Brent Taylor (co-sponsor).
  • Next steps would typically include final concurrence in the opposite chamber if applicable and signature by the Governor to enact.

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

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