Tennessee governor uses exemption to deny open record requests

[SheltieLover]

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/tennessee-governor-uses-exemption-to-deny-open-records-requests

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s office has used a controversial public records exemption to deny over 60 requests from local journalists, residents, and state representatives since 2019, which experts say is a blow to transparency and public accountability.

The exemption, called the “deliberative process privilege,” is an exception to state open records laws that have been carved out by the courts. The privilege allows “high government officials” to deny records when they believe the documents are part of their “deliberative decision-making process."

Because the exemption lacks specificity, critics say it leads to abuse and an overly broad reading of the privilege by state and local officials.

More at link.

[Alexander Of Assyria]

1. Another giant loophole in democracy for fascists to run a truck through. Close them, quick

Governor there apparently can say he deliberated on a McDonalds napkin and no one can see the napkin, or that if if a napkin exists.

There’s also a thing called following the spirit of the law, if the language is vague or even if it isn’t and you don’t want to release the records…follow the spirit of the law…easy!

[SheltieLover]

3. I couldn't agree more!

This state is a national disgrace!

[CurtEastPoint]

2. Well, gee...that's not TOO vague

[SheltieLover]

4. Oh, I know

[gratuitous]

5. Take him to court

Let the Tennessee judicial branch either set some parameters for the law or declare it too vague to enforce. The public is served by government openness and transparency, and since the legislature and executive branches aren't doing their job to serve the public interest, the judiciary needs to.