AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44, relative to community meetings conducted with electronic participation.

Local community meetings: remote access, no votes

Tennessee local governing bodies can allow members to join community meetings about public business by phone or video. These bodies have at least two members who can make policy or administrative decisions or recommendations. When any member joins remotely, the public must have live access: watching and listening for video meetings, or listening for audio-only meetings. The public must also be able to participate electronically when public participation is normally allowed. Meeting notices must disclose remote member attendance, explain electronic access, and give the physical address when in-person attendance is available. The body must record the meeting and post the recording or a link on its website as soon as possible. Posting is required within four business days, must last at least one year, and recordings must be retained for at least three years after creation. Remote members must be able to hear and speak with others at the same time. They must identify everyone in their room and remain identifiable by name to the public throughout the meeting. The body cannot vote on any matter during a community meeting with remote member participation. The law took effect upon enactment.