Tennessee Legislature – National Freedom of Information Coalition

TN: House caucus chairman defends closed-door meetings, discusses future

Posted on

House Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams defended a recent decision to hold a closed-door caucus meeting while outlining the procedure that could be used in the future, in a Wednesday meeting with members of the Capitol Hill press corps.

Defending last week's decision, Williams, R-Cookeville, said he has every intention of giving the press every opportunity to be in the meetings but added, "I do believe there is a time and a place where we have to have the ability to communicate personally with one another."

[…]

TN legislature destroyed documents from Jeremy Durham investigation

Posted on

Tennessee legislative staff have destroyed "files, documents, photographs, emails and other information" relevant to Jeremy Durham and his historic ouster from the House of Representatives.

Director of Legislative Administration Connie Ridley said Monday she could not provide public documents and information asked for by The Tennessean because Durham's computers, iPad and other materials given to him have been "returned to factory default settings."

[…]

Emails regarding public’s business open to scrutiny

Posted on

The controversy over leaked legislative emails might be a tempest in a teapot to some, but it goes to the heart of open government and reflects some legislators' disdain for dealing openly with the issues before them.

[…]