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Committee advances bill to broaden who may speak during local public comment; critics warn of access issues
Summary
House Bill 22, advanced 14-7, would allow citizens to speak on matters germane to a governing body rather than limiting comment strictly to items on the published agenda. Supporters say it preserves citizens’ right to redress government; opponents say it could be used to limit or complicate public access.
A Tennessee House committee voted 14-7 to advance House Bill 22, a measure that would expand the scope of public comment at local governing-body meetings so speakers can address matters germane to the body rather than being restricted strictly to agenda items.
Representative Davis, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation responds to complaints that local rules interpreting last year’s public-comment codification have sometimes prevented citizens from raising concerns that…
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