Purpose

(1) The Tennessee Public Records Act provides that public records shall, at all times during business hours, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this State, and those in charge of the records shall not refuse such right of inspection to any citizen, unless otherwise provided by State law. (2) The purpose of these rules is to establish procedures to accommodate requests from the public to inspect or obtain copies of public records maintained by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, to the extent that such public records are open to inspection by citizens of the State of Tennessee under the Tennessee Public Records Act, while at the same time preserving the confidentiality of confidential records or confidential information as provided in State or Federal law. (3) Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(g), these rules provide for: (a) The process for making requests to inspect public records or receive copies of public records and a copy of any required request form; (b) The process for responding to requests, including redaction practices; (c) A statement of any fees charged for copies of public records and the procedures for billing and payment; and (d) The name or title and the contact information of the individual or individuals within the Department designated as the public records request coordinator. (4) Consistent with the Tennessee Public Records Act and these rules, TDOT personnel shall timely and efficiently provide access and assistance to persons requesting to view or receive copies of public records. No provisions in these rules shall be used to hinder access to open public records. However, the integrity and organization of public records, as well as the efficient and safe operation of this Department, shall be protected as provided by current law. (5) Concerns about the implementation of these rules should be addressed to the Public Records Request Coordinator for TDOT or to the Office of Open Records Counsel.