Tennessee § 8-4-601 - Creation.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-4-601 — Creation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-4-601. Creation.
There is created the office of open records counsel to answer questions and provide information to public officials and the public regarding public records. The role of the office shall also include collecting data on open meetings law inquiries and problems and providing educational outreach on the open records laws, compiled in title 10, chapter 7, and the open meetings laws, compiled in chapter 44 of this title. The office of open records counsel shall answer questions and issue informal advisory opinions as expeditiously as possible to any person, including local government officials, members of the public and the media. State officials shall continue to consult with the office of the attorney general and reporter for such opinions. Any opinion issued by the office of open records counsel shall be posted on the office's web site. The office of open records counsel is authorized to informally mediate and assist with the resolution of issues concerning the open records laws, compiled in title 10, chapter 7. Acts 2008, ch. 1179, § 6. Attorney General Opinions. A records custodian of municipal public records is required to respond to a public records request. If a records custodian denies a request for public records or otherwise fails to timely respond to the request in accordance with the statutory procedures, the Tennessee citizen making the request may bring an action pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-505 in chancery or circuit court for the county in which the records are situated for judicial review of the denial of access to the requested records. A member of the public may also consult with the Office of Open Records Counsel, who has the authority to answer questions, to issue informal advisory opinions, and to informally mediate and assist with the resolution of issues concerning the open records laws. OAG 16-47, 2016 Tenn. AG LEXIS 46 (12/22/2016).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 8-4-601
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-4-601 cover?
Section 8-4-601 ("Creation.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 8-4-601?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-4-601" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 8-4-601 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.