Tennessee bill would allow public records requests bans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennesseans could be banned from filing public records requests for one year under a new bill that would allow courts to punish people for making too many inquiries deemed as harassment.

The move has alarmed open government advocates worried about the potentially chilling effects the bill might have, while also sparking tension among supporters who feel queasy about limiting a person's right to public records.

Under the proposal — introduced just this week — harassment would be defined as person who makes three or more public records requests in a year where:

— The requester submitted each inquiry in a threatening or abusive manner.

— The requester's conduct was abusive or intimidating during each request.