Contact:  Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336
 
(NASHVILLE, TN), January 25, 2010 -- State Senator Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) and Representative Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville) announced today that they have filed legislation calling for public building authorities to be subject to Tennessee’s open record and open meetings laws.  The lawmakers said the measure, which would affect the Public Building Authority (PBA) of Knoxville, would ensure transparency in the quasi-governmental agency.
 

“This legislation continues our efforts to ensure transparency and openness in state and local governments,” said Senator Burchett, who was key sponsor of legislation passed in 2008 to open government records and meetings.  “This bill creates greater accountability to the citizens when tax dollars are spent.”
 

The PBA was created in 1971 jointly by Knox County and the City of Knoxville.  The PBA develops, constructs, owns and maintains certain facilities on behalf of the City of Knoxville and Knox County pursuant to operating contracts with those entities.
 

The legislation also requires any construction manager or design builder to go through the bidding process.  The contracts would then be awarded to the lowest responsible and qualified bidder.  The measure helps to ensure that services deemed to be “professional services” are subject to the public bid process.
 

“This legislation ensures fairness, openness and accountability in the bid process,” added Rep. Dunn.  “It also provides certainty that the public can receive records in an open and timely manner.”
 
 

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