TN: A health care merger asking lawmakers to keep certain “competitive” records confidential

A health care merger with a promise of transparency is now the subject of legislation to keep certain information confidential. Ballad Health is asking lawmakers in Tennessee to keep some of their “competitive” records from the public’s view. The not-for-profit said the changes are needed to make sure the new health system has a fair […]

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Judge denies Randy Travis’ request to keep DUI footage private

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A federal judge has denied a request by country singer Randy Travis to stop the state of Texas from releasing footage of him naked and ranting during a 2012 DUI arrest. The ruling on a request for a preliminary injunction issued Thursday paves the way for the Texas Department of Public […]

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Knox County mayor proposes to change open record law, increase transparency

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is proposing a change to the county’s Public Records Policy that would increase transparency and make it easier for record seekers to examine documents. The mayor’s office sent a news release Tuesday morning and in it proposed a change which would allow public record seekers to take cell phone photos […]

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Tn. Coalition for Open Government: House committee passes bill allowing requests by email with some limits for “bad players”

The House State Government committee unanimously passed H.B. 58 this week, which would make clear that citizens may send records requests by email to records custodians.

The email bill also contains a section meant to deal with multiple requests to view records from someone who never comes to review them, and requests for copies for which a person never pays for or retrieves.

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Tn.: Advocates keep a close eye as lawmakers mull public records bills

At a recent panel discussion hosted by the Tennessee Press Association, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and House Speaker Beth Harwell said they would be open to reviewing the hundreds of exemptions to the state’s public records law.

During the interaction, the leaders were pressed on the possibility of including a sunset provision on any new exemptions that are added to the public records law.

“I think that’s an idea that we need to probably pursue,” McNally said.

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TN: Bill easing open records requests passes House committee

A bill making it easier for Tennesseans to make public records requests passed an important hurdle Wednesday on its way to becoming law.

The House State Government Subcommittee recommended passage of a bill sponsored by Rep. Courtney Rogers, R-Goodlettsville, that would require records custodians that accept requests "in writing, to accept a handwritten request submitted in person or by mail, an email request, or a request on an electronic form submitted online."

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Deborah Fisher: Should execution drugs be a state secret?

From Tennessee Coalition for Open Government: Does the public have a right to know about the drugs used to execute death row inmates?

This question has been raised in recent months in court in at least three states, two of which recently enacted new laws or protocols to keep secret from citizens the source of execution drugs.

In 2011, at least six states, including Tennessee, had their execution drugs seized or taken by the DEA after it became clear that the drugs had been imported illegally.

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NFOIC’s State FOIA Friday for November 22, 2013

From NFOIC:  A few state FOIA and local open government news items selected from many of interest that we might or might not have drawn attention to earlier in the week. While you're at it, be sure to check out State FOIA Friday Archives.

Minnesota high court: Business not subject to open-records laws

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Tennessee open records advocates fear impact of court ruling

From commercialappeal.com: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Transparency advocates are warning about the ramifications of a recent Tennessee appeals court ruling that “high government officials” can keep documents secret if they deem them part of their decision-making process.

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