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.

SB 2540 revises Tennessee's public records laws to make accessing government documents easier and clarify fee structures. It eliminates the requirement for written requests (allowing in-person, phone, email, or online submissions), requires redacted records to be provided (with requestors paying redaction costs), and standardizes fee guidelines for copying and inspection. The bill directly affects citizens seeking public records and government offices handling those requests. Key provisions include banning written request mandates, shifting redaction costs to requestors, and establishing a fee schedule under the Office of Open Records Counsel. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.