About this Event
Description
State public records laws are predicated on a basic and fundamental tenet in our constitutional republic: open and transparent government. Although many people are familiar with the federal Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), some may be surprised to learn that each state has its own public records law that applies to state and local governments, and it is often broader than the federal FOIA. Under state public records laws, transparency is the rule, and secrecy is the exception. The purpose of these laws is to ensure that public activities are open to public review. As the Tennessee Supreme Court put it: "the public records law is necessary to ensure that governmental officials and agencies remain accountable to the people."
Goldwater Institute Vice President for Litigation Jon Riches will discuss the components of an effective public records request, the legal landscape in Tennessee, and what to do in the event of a records request denial.
Beacon Center of Tennessee—a Nashville-based nonprofit that advances the economic liberty and property rights of Tennesseans—will co-host the event.
Speakers
Jon Riches, Vice President for Litigation and General Counsel, Goldwater Institute
Commentary by Ben Stormes, Attorney, Beacon Center of Tennessee
Other Information
Dinner will be available at 5:30pm, and the program will begin at 6pm.
This program has been approved for 1.0 hour of general CLE credit.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Polsinelli, 501 Commerce Street, Nashville, United States
