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SB 1944

Open Meetings - As introduced, authorizes local governmental bodies to conduct certain community meetings via electronic means of communication. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Richard Briggs

Allows local boards to let members participate electronically in community meetings, with real-time access, required notices, and recordings, but bans voting for those online.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SB 1944

Summary of SB 1944 (Open Meetings – Electronic Participation)

Purpose and intent

SB 1944 authorizes local governing bodies (LGBs) in Tennessee to conduct certain community meetings with participation by electronic means of communication. The bill defines how electronic participation may occur, what notice must be provided, and how recordings must be handled. It purposefully allows, rather than requires, electronic participation, and prohibits voting during meetings where members participate electronically.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 1):

    • “Community meeting”: a gathering of community members in a political subdivision to discuss and receive information about community public business.
    • “Local governing body” (LGB): a public body with two or more members authorized to make decisions or provide recommendations on policy or administration.

  • Electronic participation in community meetings (Section 2, new subsection i):

    • An LGB may allow one or more members to participate electronically.
    • Public access: In real time, the public must be able to view and listen to the meeting (video for video conferences; audio only if no video).
    • Public notice requirements:
    • Notice must state that the meeting will include electronic participation by some members.
    • Include the physical address of any in-person component.
    • Provide information necessary for the public to access, participate, view, or listen electronically.
    • Recording and posting:
    • The LGB must record the meeting and post the recording or a link on its website as soon as possible, but no later than four business days after the meeting.
    • The recording and link must remain posted for at least one year, and the recording must be retained for at least three years.
    • Technical and identification requirements:
    • Electronic participants must be able to hear and speak with one another simultaneously.
    • Members participating electronically must identify the individuals present in the room from which they participate.
    • Electronic participants must be identifiable by name to the public throughout the meeting.
    • Voting prohibition: No vote may be cast by members participating electronically during the community meeting.

  • Effective date (Section 3):

    • Takes effect upon becoming law.

Who is affected

  • Local governing bodies in Tennessee that choose to utilize electronic participation for community meetings.
  • Members of these LGBs who participate electronically.
  • The general public, which would access meetings via real-time video or audio and review posted recordings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Public notice must announce the electronic participation feature and provide access details.
  • Recordings must be posted within four business days and kept for at least one year on the site; the recording must be retained for at least three years.
  • Electronic participants must be identifiable and audibly connected with in-room participants; voting cannot occur during electronically-participated meetings.
  • No immediate funding is anticipated; fiscal notes indicate a not-significant impact, acknowledging existing open-meetings and notice requirements.

Fiscal note

  • Classified as not significant. Assumes most LGBs with the capability will adopt the option; expenditures are not expected to rise materially. No change to existing public notice requirements, which already govern regular and special meetings.

Overall, SB 1944 provides a structured framework for local governments to offer virtual participation in community meetings, balancing accessibility with transparency and recordkeeping, while preserving the integrity of in-person decision-making (through the prohibition on votes during electronically participated sessions).

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

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