Advisory Committee on Open Government approves draft responses to comptroller’s sunset review after public comment

The Advisory Committee on Open Government approved draft responses to a Comptroller‑led sunset review and directed staff to submit the materials ahead of the review timeline, the committee said at a special meeting.

Chair Brian Laps opened the meeting by explaining that the committee had been added to the sunset schedule with a potential termination date of June 30, 2027, and that written responses to the Comptroller’s questions are due Aug. 3. Laps said the committee was asked to attend a sunset hearing on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, urged the committee during a five‑minute public comment period to document its past work and improve continuity. “ACOG has value or could have value,” Fisher said, urging the committee to consider reappointing members in good standing to preserve institutional memory.

Committee members agreed with Fisher’s assessment that long gaps between meetings had hampered continuity. Chief Sammie Williams said the statutory rotation has resulted in little continuity; others said the committee should demonstrate its value going forward.

The committee then reviewed and edited a circulated draft of answers to the Comptroller’s questionnaire. Members discussed several topics the questionnaire covers, including ACOG’s statutory duties, past participation in reviews and reports, and whether committee members are eligible for per diem or other reimbursements. JP Urban, senior deputy in the Attorney General’s Financial and Regulatory section and counsel for the council, told members that travel regulations generally provide for mileage and per diem but that reimbursements require a budget line in the Comptroller’s office.

Members debated the committee’s scope. Some argued the statute limits ACOG to providing guidance and advice when asked; others said the statute’s language allows a broader advisory role to the Office of Open Records Council. To keep the draft neutral, the chair proposed language noting that members express varied views about ACOG’s role and that the General Assembly could clarify authority if it wishes.

Ambassador Victor Ash moved to approve the draft document; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote. The chair said he would send the redlined draft to co‑chair Joel Christopher for proofreading, ask staff to assemble exhibit materials (including a prior report referenced as exhibit 2), and submit the final response packet to the Comptroller’s office in time for the Aug. 3 deadline. The committee noted that co‑chair Christopher and the chair would be asked to attend the Aug. 19 sunset hearing.

The meeting adjourned after members agreed to circulate the final materials to the committee before submission.

Next steps: staff will confirm membership dates and funding details for reimbursements, finalize the draft answers and exhibits for submission by Aug. 3, and prepare for the Aug. 19 sunset hearing.