Tennessee Senate Approves Bill to Keep Certain Tourism Records Secret

The bill, aimed at protecting sensitive tourism records, faces differences between the Senate and House versions before it can become law.

Tennessee's Senate passed a bill allowing the Department of Tourist Development to exempt certain records from public disclosure, citing sensitivity.
The Senate version specifies that records can remain secret for up to 10 years, with conditions that could end the secrecy sooner.
Critics argue the bill undermines transparency, with concerns about what is being hidden regarding taxpayer-funded tourism efforts.
The legislation is seen as a step to secure high-profile events like the Super Bowl, with ongoing negotiations for a new stadium in Nashville.
Differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill must be reconciled before it can be signed into law by Governor Bill Lee.