Daily Dose for April 02, 2008

Open Records Law Strengthened

Open Records Law Strengthened -- State Sen. Randy McNally has abandoned attempts to weaken the state's open meeting laws by allowing more lawmakers to meet in private. Instead, McNally has presented a bill that will strengthen the state's open records laws by requiring compliance with open records request within five days. If the requested record were closed, the governmental agency would have to give the citizen an explanation on why the record is not public. Or, if it’s going to take longer than five days to fulfill the request, the governmental agency must tell the citizen how long it’s expected to take. Besides the five-day time limit, the open records bill would create the Office of Open Records Council. That office would be responsible for writing opinions on what are and are not open records.

State May Expand Toll Roads -- Tennessee may soon get the green light to build more toll roads and bridges than the two pilot projects lawmakers approved last year. The Tollway Act of 2007 allowed the Tennessee Department of Transportation to choose one new highway project and one bridge project to present to the General Assembly by January. To be considered, a toll project must be proposed on a new route, and alternate routes must be available so that no motorist is forced to pay a toll. Currently toll roads are being considered in Knox Co. and Hendersonville near Nashville.

TN Rejects Border Commission -- A Tennessee Senate panel on Tuesday approved a resolution rejecting Georgia’s efforts to re-examine the two states’ border issues. State Sen. Andy Berke: "They don’t really have any desire or care for the people who would be affected by this boundary change. It’s all about water." The resolution, which has already passed the House now goes to the Senate floor, where it is expected to pass unanimously.

Knox Co. Mayor Hit With Registry Complaint -- Knox Co. Mayor Mike Ragsdale faces a complaint sent to the Registry of Election Finance for using his campaign account to reimburse the county for purchasing card charges associated with buying his wife a plane ticket to New York City. Drew Rawlins, executive director of the registry, said once he receives the complaint, he will forward it to Knox County district attorney general for investigation. Ragsdale could face as much as a $10,000 fine from the Registry if it takes action.

Thanks, WaPo -- Special thanks to the Washington Post for naming TN Politics Blog the best Tennessee political blog. We continue to keep working to bring your Daily Dose of TN political news straight to you.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |