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Changes to meeting agenda publication requirements, effective May 5, 2025

Franklin meeting

By John Waddell 
MTAS Legal Consultant

On May 5, 2025, Gov. Bill Lee signed SB212/HB885 into law amending the “Advance public availability of meeting agendas” statute. 

The previous version of T.C.A. § 8-44-119 (the before May 5th version) required a local government legislative body to make its agenda public at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to a regular meeting. 

Under the new law the list of bodies has expanded to include:

  • the legislative body of an incorporated city or town, a metropolitan government, or a county;
  • a regional or municipal planning commission;
  • a board of zoning appeals;
  • a public utility board;
  • an industrial development corporation board of directors;
  • a housing authority;
  • a regional or municipal airport authority;
  • a county election commission; and
  • the budget committee of a legislative body of an incorporated city or town, a metropolitan government, or a county.

The new law also states that “a local government body that maintains a website shall make an agenda available to the public through the website.” Previously the law simply allowed these agendas to be posted on the website, but now that the “may” is a “shall,” an agenda must be published on the website if the legislative body maintains a website. 

Keep in mind, this requirement only applies to municipalities that “maintain a website.” Those of you who do not have a website do not need to create one to be in compliance with this year’s legislation.

The changes from SB212/HB885 are already in place. This legislation took effect upon the governor’s signature on May 5, 2025.

If you have questions about this or other changes from this year’s legislative session, please reach out to your MTAS management or legal consultant, https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/staff