Tennessee House Bill HB1238

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6, relative to the attorney general and reporter.

Impact

If enacted, HB1238 would affect the existing Tennessee Code Annotated by amending Title 8, Chapter 6, to impose specific reporting obligations on the attorney general's office. This would lead to a more structured approach in documenting and reporting the progress of litigations. The initiative could improve public understanding and oversight of cases that have implications for state law and constitutional interpretations, fostering an environment of increased accountability among state officials.

Summary

House Bill 1238 aims to enhance transparency regarding litigation involving the state of Tennessee by establishing a requirement for the attorney general to maintain a publicly accessible listing of current litigation that the state is a party to. This listing will exclude personal civil and wrongful death suits and will include pertinent details about each case, such as the case number, court status, and the identity of any outside counsel retained. The intent behind this bill is to provide more information to the public about the legal matters involving the state and to ensure accountability in how these cases are managed.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1238 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for transparency and governmental accountability. Supporters argue that providing public access to litigation information is a significant step towards a more informed citizenry and can enhance trust in governmental processes. However, there may also be some concerns about the potential for sensitive information being exposed and the administrative burden this could create for the attorney general's office.

Contention

While the overall sentiment is favorable, potential points of contention include the scope of information that needs to be disclosed and whether the bill adequately protects confidential information. Some may argue that the requirements outlined in the bill could lead to an overwhelming amount of information that might confuse rather than inform the public. Additionally, the alignment with existing confidentiality laws and court orders will need to be navigated carefully to prevent conflicts.