Bill > HB2500

This bill revises how Tennessee government entities handle requests for public records by clarifying that a written request is generally not required to view a public record, and requests can be made in person, by phone, fax, mail, email, or through an online portal if the entity uses these methods for official business. It also states that if a public record contains confidential information that must be removed (redacted), the person requesting the record will be responsible for the costs associated with this redaction, including staff time and copying fees, and that these costs must be assessed according to a schedule established by the office of open records counsel. The bill also clarifies that a records custodian can charge reasonable costs for producing and copying public records, and that the office of open records counsel will provide guidelines for these charges.