Bill Expanding Citizen Input At Public Meetings In Tennessee To Be Voted On By Senate

Image Credit: TN General Assembly

The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –

A bill that expands the First Amendment rights of Tennesseans who wish to speak at public meetings passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday by unanimous vote and now advances to the Senate floor for a vote on March 12th, 2026.

Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun-District 1), Senate Bill 0178 as amended expands on legislation passed in 2024 mandating that citizens be allowed to speak on agenda items at all meetings of public governing bodies.

Along with the corresponding House bill which passed last year, the legislation remedies an “agenda item” loophole in current law thereby giving constituents the right to speak on any topic in front of the public governing body providing the matter is “germane to the jurisdiction of the governing body.”

Senate Floor – SB1708 to be heard March 12

SB1708 expands the First Amendment rights of Tennesseans who wish to speak at public meetings.

To find the contact information for your state Senator before the vote on March 12th, use the “Find my Legislator” tool HERE.

About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.