SB 178 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Open Meetings - As enacted, requires a local governing body subject to the open meetings laws to reserve a period of public comment to provide the public with the opportunity to comment on any matter germane to the jurisdiction of the governing body, regardless of whether the matter is listed on the agenda for the meeting. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 44.

SB 178 would require Tennessee local governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) to set aside time at every public meeting for citizens to comment on *any* issue relevant to the body's responsibilities - whether or not it's on the official agenda. The bill amends Tennessee's open meetings law to mandate this expanded public comment period, ensuring residents can address topics beyond the pre-set agenda. It directly affects all local government bodies covered by Tennessee's open meetings statutes. The change aims to increase public engagement by making it easier for community members to share input on matters impacting their jurisdiction.
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Mar 30, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
20
Key actions
9
Committee
10
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 0
upper
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 2/24/2026
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 2/24/2026
lower
Feb 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 2/10/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 3/18/2025
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/18/2025
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 3/11/2025
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/4/2025
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Adam Lowe
Adam Lowe
RRepublican
TN
1