4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jun 9, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The two versions of the bill are substantively identical, with changes limited to legislative status information indicating the bill's passage in the House and referral to the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes between v3 and v4.

H.R. 1373119th CongressIntroduced Feb 14, 2025

Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025

Passed HouseEnergySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
Committees: Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 10, 2025

Bottom line

The bill aims to enhance public access to TVA Board deliberations and information, balancing increased transparency with specific carve-outs for sensitive business operations.

What it actually does

This bill, the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025, amends the TVA Act of 1933 to increase the transparency of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board meetings. It broadens the definition of "meeting" under the Government in the Sunshine Act to include all deliberations, requires online publication of meeting notices and public information, while also creating specific exemptions for power availability requests and competitive contract negotiations.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill is crucial for holding the Tennessee Valley Authority accountable to the public it serves. By expanding the definition of "meeting" and requiring online publication of information, it ensures greater public oversight of the TVA's decision-making processes, fostering trust and allowing stakeholders to better understand how the public utility operates.

Opponents contend

Critics might contend that while transparency is generally desirable, the bill's specific exemptions for "power availability requests" and "contract negotiations" could still shield significant business activities from public scrutiny. They might also argue that expanding "meeting" to all deliberations could stifle candid discussion and efficient decision-making, potentially hindering the TVA's operational effectiveness in a competitive energy market.

The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its provisions.

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(i)

Broadened Scope of Open Meetings

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision expands the definition of "meeting" under the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b) for the TVA Board. It now includes all deliberations of the Board, its committees, and subcommittees, even if those discussions are not specifically scheduled to take official action. This means more informal discussions or preparatory sessions could be subject to open meeting requirements.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupThe Public, particularly those in the TVA service areaImpactIncreased access to information regarding TVA Board discussions.MechanismStatutory redefinition of "meeting" under federal open meeting law.ScaleBroad impact on public oversight of a major federal utility.

GroupTVA Board members and staffImpactIncreased scrutiny and potential for less candid discussions in formal settings.MechanismRequirement to conduct more deliberations in public.ScaleDirect impact on internal governance and operational procedures.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this ensures true transparency, preventing the Board from making substantive decisions or shaping policy in private sessions that fall outside a narrow definition of "meeting." It closes potential loopholes that could allow important discussions to occur without public knowledge.

Critics contend

Opponents might argue that requiring all deliberations to be open could stifle candid discussion, making Board members hesitant to explore sensitive or preliminary ideas openly. This could lead to less effective decision-making or force discussions into less formal, less transparent channels.

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the public's right to know with the need for a deliberative body to have frank, uninhibited discussions, potentially impacting the efficiency and candor of internal decision-making processes.

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and (iii)

Enhanced Public Notice and Information Disclosure

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision mandates that public announcements of TVA Board meetings must be published on the Board's official website. Furthermore, any information required to be disclosed or certified under the Government in the Sunshine Act must also be published on the website, making it easily accessible to the public.

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(ii)(II)

Emergency Special Meeting Provision

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This provision allows the chairman of the TVA Board to designate a meeting as an "emergency special meeting." If so designated, the standard requirement for public announcement at least one week prior to the meeting (as per 5 U.S.C. 552b(e)(1)) does not apply, enabling the Board to convene quickly in urgent situations.

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(iv)

Exemptions for Sensitive Information

prominently featuredmoderately complex

This provision carves out two specific types of information that the TVA Board may choose not to disclose to the public, even under the expanded transparency rules. These are information related to "power availability requests" and "contract negotiations" (including labor relations and procurement), specifically if disclosure would compromise the Corporation's competitive position.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jun 9, 2025)

H.R. 1373119th CongressIntroduced Feb 14, 2025

Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025

Passed HouseEnergySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
Committees: Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 10, 2025

Bottom line

The bill aims to enhance public access to TVA Board deliberations and information, balancing increased transparency with specific carve-outs for sensitive business operations.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its provisions.

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(i)

Broadened Scope of Open Meetings

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and (iii)

Enhanced Public Notice and Information Disclosure

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(ii)(II)

Emergency Special Meeting Provision

mentioned in summarystraightforward

Section 2(g)(2)(B)(iv)

Exemptions for Sensitive Information

prominently featuredmoderately complex