The Tennessee Open Meetings Act hasn’t changed too much over the years. But this year, the General Assembly made two major improvements that were a long time coming.
The open meetings law now requires that city and county legislative bodies produce an agenda that is available to the public at least 48 hours before a meeting and that “reasonably describes” each agenda item.
No more hiding important government business behind vague language or putting out an agenda that is only “new business” and “old business.”
Another new law requires public comment periods in all governing body meetings in which action is planned. Many governing bodies already have public comment periods, but nothing in state law required it, and some do not have them or eliminate them for various meetings.
Both changes are good for citizens and for the people who serve on our governing bodies. They mean more information gets shared and less funny business can occur through withheld information.