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SB 2308

Public Records - As introduced, specifies that certain information related to the carrying out of a sentence of death is not confidential and is open to public inspection. - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

Tennessee bill makes execution-related government records public instead of confidential, increasing transparency about capital punishment procedures and practices.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2308

Legislative bill overview

SB 2308 amends Tennessee's public records law to make certain information about capital punishment executions open to public inspection rather than confidential. The bill specifies that details related to carrying out death sentences would no longer be classified as restricted records under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 7.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects government transparency regarding execution procedures and practices. Currently, many states keep execution-related information confidential; this change would require Tennessee to disclose details that citizens, media, and advocacy groups could previously not access. This impacts public oversight of how the state administers capital punishment and relates to ongoing national debates about execution protocols and lethal injection procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim family privacy vs. transparency: Execution details may involve sensitive information about victims' families, raising questions about balancing public interest with family privacy concerns
  • Practical execution concerns: Revealing specific execution protocols and drug suppliers could expose medical personnel to pressure or protests and may complicate future executions
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language about "certain information" is vague—unclear which specific records would be disclosed (drug sources, personnel identities, medical procedures, timing, costs, etc.)

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

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