government transparency initiatives Archives - Tennessee Coalition for Open Government

15 Apr, 2014

7 new laws affecting meetings, records in TN – plus a few that didn’t make it
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7 new laws affecting meetings, records in TN – plus a few that didn’t make it

exemptions, Legislature

7 new laws affecting meetings, records in TN – plus a few that didn’t make it

By Deborah Fisher|2019-09-11T16:55:12-05:00April 15, 2014|Categories: exemptions, Legislature|Tags: child death records, economic development records, government transparency initiatives, government websites, legislature, schools, sexual assault records|0 Comments

As the 108th General Assembly wraps up this week, here's a quick rundown on new laws affecting government meetings and open records in Tennessee: Legislation passed: Sexual assault victims: The names of sexual assault victims can now be redacted from public records under new legislation that makes their identity confidential. This only applies after a conviction or guilty plea, and sentencing has occurred. In addition to the name, any images that depict the victim (video or photo) are also confidential, as is the victim's address and phone number. The victim has a right to waive confidentiality. Sen. Becky Massey, R-Knoxville, and Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson sponsored the bills. Note that [...]

The need for transparency with teeth: A lesson from Chris Christie

By Deborah Fisher|2014-04-09T16:54:16-05:00February 6, 2014|Categories: transparency|Tags: Chris Christie, emails, government transparency initiatives|0 Comments

We in Tennessee can learn something from the New Jersey bridge scandal that put Gov. Chris Christie who championed "transparency" now staring down accusations of violating the state's public records laws and otherwise working effectively to keep secret some legitimate information citizens deserve to know. The transparency movement is a good one. And there are great examples of local governments posting all levels of information for citizens, some of it quite useful such as agenda packets for upcoming meetings and financial information that allows citizens to better understand how their local government operates. It should continue and, in Tennessee, some guidance is provided in a recent report by the Tennessee Advisory [...]

How does your local government stack up in transparency?

By Deborah Fisher|2014-04-09T16:54:09-05:00February 4, 2014|Categories: transparency|Tags: government transparency initiatives, government websites, legislature|0 Comments

Back in October, a report chock full of information about transparency in local and state governments was released by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Specifically, the report examined public information and data posted on state government websites, as well as sampled several county, city and school system websites for the same. The study had been requested following two bills in 2012 that sought to require state and local governments, including school districts, to post more and specific information on their websites. There were both terrific examples of transparency initiatives as well as some results that might be downright exasperating in the Internet age. The examples from other states [...]