Tennessee Especially, Open Records Laws in General

[falcon1]

I just saw this article here:
http://www.fox17.com/template/inews_...ox17.com.shtml

I sent this email to my state senator:

Senator Tracy, this appeared on the Fox 17 Nashville News website this evening:

"'Some changes approved to strengthen open records laws
November 27, 2007 19:59 EST
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A proposal to clarify and strengthen open records laws squeaked by on a 9-8 vote Tuesday in a study committee on open government.

The approved changes explain the role of a newly hired ombudsman, who will answer questions and issue opinions on when government records must be available to the public and when officials are allowed to meet in private to discuss public business.

The changes also require any record not specifically exempt from public viewing to be open for inspection by any person requesting it. Previously the right to inspect records was limited to citizens of Tennessee [emphasis added].

Any decision on changes to the law has already been delayed several months.

The panel did not come to a final decision on changes to the state's "Sunshine Law," which governs when officials are allowed to meet in private.'


How will this affect the availability of Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit information? Will identifying information now be available to anyone who requests it? Is that safe, or wise?

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and thank you for what you do for your constituents and the state of Tennessee."



Needless to say, I am concerned that this might "open Pandora's box" with regard to HCP lists here in Tennessee. Tennesseans in particular, and all of us in general, might want to express their opinions to their state legislators with regard to making such lists closed to all but law enforcement. I will post the reply I receive.

P.S. I did not send anything to my State Representative, as he was rated "F" by NRA-ILA in the last election, IIRC.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[digitalexplr]

How does Tenn law read now? In Missouri CCW information by statute is a closed record.

[falcon1]

Tennessee information in not currently protected, IIRC...it is public record.