Open Meetings - As enacted, 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.
SB 1944 allows Tennessee local governments (like city councils or county commissions) to hold community meetings with some participants joining virtually via video or audio. It requires these meetings to provide real-time public access to view/listen, publish clear notice about virtual participation, post recordings online within four business days, and maintain recordings for three years. The bill specifically prohibits voting during meetings where members participate electronically, ensuring in-person voting remains the standard for decisions. This directly affects how local bodies conduct public meetings, balancing virtual access with transparency requirements.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Jan 22, 2026
Signed May 5, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
18
Key actions
7
Committee
3
May 5, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 66, Nays 16, PNV 6
lower
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 2/17/2026
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Richard Briggs
RRepublican
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