Public Records, Social Media and Ethics Laws in Tennessee

Elisha Hodge, Public Entity Partners’ Legal Services Consultant, was a featured speaker at the Spring 2024 Conference of the Tennessee Association of Municipal Clerks and Recorders (TAMCAR), held April 17-19 at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. TAMCAR is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of Tennessee’s municipal clerks.

Hodge’s presentation, titled “Public Records, Social Media and Ethics Laws in Tennessee” focused on the demands and challenges clerks and recorders frequently encounter as they navigate compliance with these laws.

“This interactive session was aimed at easing the challenges of complying with these laws by providing a general, easy-to-understand overview of the basics related to each of the areas of the law,” Elisha said. “In addition, the participants’ knowledge was tested throughout the presentation with scenarios to work through based upon requests that are made to municipalities every day.”

Discussion also centered on the various ways state municipalities use social media and the importance of adopting and following legal plans and policies, parameters for removing and moderating content, and the interplay between the use of social media and Tennessee’s open meetings and public records laws.

Session participants also learned about various state and local ethics laws that govern their conduct. Elisha shared recent examples from across the state about the legal repercussions that can occur when employees and officials do not adhere to the laws.

For questions regarding these and other legal topics and issues affecting Tennessee’s local governments and their employees, please contact Elisha at EHodge@PEpartners.org or by calling 615-371-0049.