Memphis council adopts ID/address verification for public speakers and ratifies remote meeting

The Memphis City Council on Jan. 27 amended its rules of procedure to require verification of name and address for members of the public who wish to speak during council meetings. The change was the subject of lengthy debate between members who said the measure protects in‑person resident speakers from being displaced by nonresidents and those who worried the rule could create barriers to First Amendment access.

Attorney Wade said the proposed rule requires an official document showing name and address — such as a state ID, driver's license, voter registration card or a current utility bill — to be shown to the sergeant‑at‑arms as a verification step. If a person lacks any of those forms of ID, Wade said the policy allows them to speak by providing a name on the record and the chair or committee may exercise discretion.

Council members expressed differing views. Councilwoman White asked how the rule would work for people without driver’s licenses; Wade and staff said shelters can be used as an address and that the sergeant‑at‑arms would view but not retain documents. Vice Chair Carlisle and others argued that bogus addresses given at prior meetings have diluted resident participation and that the rule provides objective criteria the chair can apply. Councilwoman Green and others urged protections so the requirement does not chill legitimate speakers.

The council voted; the chair declared "the ayes have it" and the amendment passed. Separately, the council ratified the chair's decision to hold the Jan. 27 meeting remotely under the mayoral and gubernatorial emergency declarations and applicable charter provisions, a motion Attorney Wade explained was needed to comply with Open Meetings Act procedures in an emergency.

What’s next: council staff will implement the verification process as described, the sergeant‑at‑arms will verify documents during sign‑in but not retain copies, and the council retains discretion to make exceptions for individuals without ID.