Open records requests in Tennessee

How the Tennessee Public Records Act works

Tennessee's Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503 et seq.) provides Tennessee citizens, the right of access is tied to state citizenship, the right to inspect and copy public records of governmental entities. The law covers state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions, and applies to the executive and legislative branches. Agencies must respond within seven business days of a written request, and must provide a timeline if records cannot be produced within that period.

Tennessee's Office of Open Records Counsel provides training, guidance, and advisory opinions to both requesters and agencies, one of the more active such offices in the Southeast. Fees may be charged for reproduction at actual cost, with guidance provided on fee structures for voluminous electronic records. Common exemptions include certain law enforcement records, personnel files, medical records, and attorney-client communications. Enforcement is through chancery court; courts may award attorney's fees to prevailing requesters.