TN HB2500

Governmental entities cannot require written requests to view public records unless otherwise required by law; requests may be submitted in person, by telephone, fax, mail, email, or via internet portal if the entity uses those methods

Confidential information must be redacted from records when possible, and the redacted record made available; redaction does not constitute creation of a new record

Requestors must pay costs associated with redacting records, including copy costs and staff time for providing redacted copies

Records custodians may charge reasonable costs for producing materials for inspection and for copies, with costs assessed according to the schedule established by the Office of Open Records Counsel

Effective date: July 1, 2026