Tennessee House Speaker Beth HarwellNASHVILLE - Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell today asked committee and subcommittee chairmen to end secret "pre-meetings" in which lawmakers discuss legislation prior to formal public meetings.
In a memo to the chairmen, the Nashville speaker said, "I respectfully request two things: that these meetings be announced, and that you have an open door policy."
The memo, first reported by The Associated Press, notes that "concerns have been raised" about the meetings.
Harwell's memo comes a day after the Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Associated Press, the Commercial Appeal of Memphis, the Knoxville News Sentinel and The Tennessean reported on the existence of the meetings.
The collaborative reporting effort found that at least 10 of 15 standing House committees held such meetings. Reporters visited several, including one where they were initially turned away. Others allowed reporters to observe.
Proponents, who say no actual votes are taken on bills, argue the meetings allow a free-flowing discussion of issues.
Critics note there is no way of knowing if votes are taken and that the process should be open.
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