1. (1) The TPRA provides that all state, county, and municipal records shall, at all times during business hours, be open for personal inspection by a citizen of this state, and those in charge of the records shall not refuse such right of inspection to any citizen, unless otherwise provided by state or federal law. Accordingly, the public records of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services are presumed to be open for inspection unless otherwise provided by law.
2. (2) Personnel of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services shall timely and efficiently provide access and assistance to persons requesting to inspect or receive copies of public records. No provisions of this chapter shall be used to hinder access to open public records. However, the integrity and organization of public records, as well as the efficient and safe operation of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, shall be protected as provided by current law. Concerns about this chapter should be addressed to the PRRC for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.
3. (3) This chapter shall be reviewed annually by the PRRC.
4. (4) This chapter shall be applied consistently throughout the various offices and divisions of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-4-103; 4-5-201, et seq.;10-7-503; and 46-6-106. Administrative History: New rules filed June 25, 2025; effective September 23, 2025.