Tennessee Gov. Bill HaslamNASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a bill to require public notices to be published on newspaper websites.
The measure maintains a requirement for public notices to be published in the print editions of newspapers. It would also create a statewide online clearinghouse for all notices.
Sponsors say the Tennessee Press Association called for the changes in the interest of enhanced transparency.
"The public notice law is a positive step forward for government transparency," said Kent Flanagan, director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government. "It actually ensures that public notices will be posted on third party independent websites."
The measure was sponsored by Republican Sen. Ken Yager of Harriman and Rep. Ryan Haynes, R-Knoxville.
The House approved the legislation 94-1, and it passed the Senate 31-1.