Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris works in his legislative office in Nashville.NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Haslam’s plan to close public access to detailed information about companies seeking state grants and tax incentives ran into trouble Monday night when a senator called it an invitation to corruption.
The measure, carried for the governor by Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, was delayed until Thursday.
Haslam, a Republican, has called for the public records changes as part of his plan to offer more cash incentives for companies to invest in Tennessee.
The administration is seeking far more detail from companies seeking taxpayer dollars, but the bill also closes off information regarding “business processes, organizational structure and ownership, financial statements, budgets, cash flow reports or similar materials.”
Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, questioned the move.