Bill > SB0136

This bill amends Tennessee law to allow members of county and municipal legislative bodies to participate in scheduled meetings electronically under specific circumstances. Specifically, a member can join a meeting remotely if they are experiencing a family or medical emergency, have been called to military service, or are unable to attend due to inclement weather. To participate electronically, the member must be visually identifiable by the meeting chair, and the legislative body must first approve electronic participation by a two-thirds majority vote. The bill establishes several important restrictions: no more than 20% of the legislative body (or three members, whichever is less) can participate electronically, each member can only participate electronically twice per year, and a quorum must be physically present at the meeting location. Additionally, the bill requires that electronic meetings remain fully accessible to the public through real-time audio or video access, with a recording of the meeting made available within two business days. The municipal and county legislative bodies must develop policies for electronic participation, and these provisions will automatically expire on July 1, 2028, requiring future legislative action to continue the practice.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0136&ga=114