Bill > HB2114

This bill mandates that the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), a state agency that studies issues affecting local governments, conduct a comprehensive study on public notice practices. The study will investigate whether newspapers of general circulation are still the most effective way for governments to inform the public, examining historical changes in news consumption, newspaper availability, and subscription rates. TACIR will also assess the capabilities of governmental entities to manage online public notice systems, including data security and archiving, as well as the costs involved. Furthermore, the study will look into how much taxpayer money is spent on newspaper publications for public notices and whether citizens should have to pay to access this information. The availability of broadband internet, especially in rural areas, and public notice practices in other states, including technological advancements and their impact on transparency and civic engagement, will also be reviewed. TACIR is required to consult with various stakeholders, such as local governments, newspaper publishers, and open government advocates, and may request information from government entities. Upon completion, TACIR will report its findings and recommendations, potentially including proposed legislation, to legislative committees.