Public Records - As introduced, revises provisions relating to the assessment and collection of fees for the inspection and copying of public records. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 4, Part 6 and Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5.

HB 2500 revises Tennessee's public records fee system to improve accessibility and clarify costs. It allows citizens to request records via phone, email, or online portals instead of requiring written requests, and shifts the cost of redacting confidential information to the requester. Government offices must now use a standardized fee schedule for copying and inspection, based on guidelines from the Open Records Counsel. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting both the public seeking records and government offices handling requests.