1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I write to respectfully express my opposition to House Bill 1881. Tennessee’s Public Records Act reflects a clear and longstanding commitment to government transparency. Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503 provides that public records “shall at all times, during business hours, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this state.” The statute establishes openness as the rule—not the exception. Freedom of Information and public records laws are not procedural conveniences; they are legal safeguards that protect accountability. Access to government records supports the First Amendment rights of speech and press and aligns with Article I, Section 19 of the Tennessee Constitution, which protects the free communication of thoughts and opinions. Courts have consistently recognized that meaningful public oversight depends on reasonable access to information about how government operates and how public funds are used. Legislation that narrows access, increases costs, expands exemptions, or otherwise burdens citizens’ ability to obtain public records risks undermining these constitutional principles. Restrictions that are overly broad or unnecessary may also expose the state to legal challenges and weaken public trust in government institutions. Transparency benefits all Tennesseans regardless of political affiliation. It deters waste, fraud, and abuse; strengthens civic engagement; and reinforces confidence in public decision-making. Any proposal that diminishes these protections should be approached with caution and subjected to rigorous constitutional scrutiny. For these reasons, I urge you to oppose House Bill 1881 and preserve the integrity of Tennessee’s Public Records Act. Open government is not optional—it is foundational to representative democracy and essential to maintaining the trust of the people you serve. Thank you for your consideration