Tennessee House Bill HB2915

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10; Title 20 and Title 29, relative to public records.

Impact

This legislation impacts Title 10, Title 20, and Title 29 of the Tennessee Code. The amendment seeks to revise Section 10-7-504(k)(3) to redefine the handling of specific personal identifiers, thereby reinforcing the legal framework concerning public records. By tightening the restrictions on what can be disclosed publicly, the bill could lead to a stronger emphasis on privacy observations in government records management, presenting a significant shift in how public agencies handle sensitive data.

Summary

House Bill 2915 aims to amend provisions related to public records in the Tennessee Code Annotated. The bill focuses specifically on the privacy of certain personal information by modifying the existing regulations around the handling of sensitive data, including birth dates and social security numbers. By enacting this bill, the intent is to enhance data privacy and protect citizens' personal information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HB2915 revolves around the balance between transparency and privacy. Proponents argue that protecting sensitive personal information is paramount in an increasingly digital world, where data breaches are prevalent. However, some critics may contend that overly restrictive measures could hinder accessibility to essential information, especially for researchers, journalists, or citizens engaged in public-accountability efforts. Thus, the discussions around this bill highlight the ongoing debate over privacy rights versus public knowledge.

Notable_points

Another notable aspect of HB2915 is its immediate effect upon becoming law, signifying a swift move toward enhancing public record privacy standards. The bill's emphasis on specific categories of information, like birth dates and social security numbers, reflects a growing trend across various states to reevaluate public records laws in light of privacy concerns.