Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-105 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-105
Administration of system - Custody of properties - Policies, rules and regulations regarding governance and use
Status: in_force

The secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives, shall be responsible for the proper administration of this chapter, and shall establish policies to govern the administration of the state library system. The division shall have custody of and be responsible for the properties of the state library system, including properties that may be assigned to it in the future. The secretary of state is authorized to establish policies, rules, and regulations that may be necessary to govern the use of the properties and the use and disposition of materials under the secretary's jurisdiction, including the circulation of books from the library. Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.5); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-105; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 5; 2008, ch. 631, § 5.
The secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives, shall be responsible for the proper administration of this chapter, and shall establish policies to govern the administration of the state library system. The division shall have custody of and be responsible for the properties of the state library system, including properties that may be assigned to it in the future. The secretary of state is authorized to establish policies, rules, and regulations that may be necessary to govern the use of the properties and the use and disposition of materials under the secretary's jurisdiction, including the circulation of books from the library.
Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.5); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-105; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 5; 2008, ch. 631, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-207 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-207
Failure to make index - Forfeiture - Qui tam action
Status: in_force

For failing to make such index as prescribed, the register shall forfeit one hundred dollars ($100), one-half (1/2) to the use of the state and the other one-half (1/2) to any person who shall sue for the same. Code 1858, § 455 (deriv. Acts 1839-1840, ch. 26, § 12); Shan., § 569; Code 1932, § 824; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-207.
For failing to make such index as prescribed, the register shall forfeit one hundred dollars ($100), one-half (1/2) to the use of the state and the other one-half (1/2) to any person who shall sue for the same.
Code 1858, § 455 (deriv. Acts 1839-1840, ch. 26, § 12); Shan., § 569; Code 1932, § 824; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-207.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-306 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-306
Rules and regulations of commission
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall issue rules and regulations which shall include such procedures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall provide, but not be limited to: (1) Procedures for the adoption of any record to be created by any department, board, commission or agency; (2) Standards and procedures for the reproduction of records for security or for disposal of original records; (3) Procedures for compiling and submitting to the division lists and schedules or records proposed for disposition; and (4) Procedures for the physical destruction or other disposition of records. (b) All rules and regulations must be approved by a majority of the voting members of the commission. The commissioner of general services as the administrative officer and secretary of the commission shall sign all rules and regulations on behalf of the commission. (c) The rules and regulations shall be issued and promulgated in accordance with title 4. The commission need not formally meet to act under this section, but may adopt any rule, regulation, procedure or disposal with the written approval of all voting members. Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 6; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-406; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3.
(a) The commission shall issue rules and regulations which shall include such procedures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall provide, but not be limited to: (1) Procedures for the adoption of any record to be created by any department, board, commission or agency; (2) Standards and procedures for the reproduction of records for security or for disposal of original records; (3) Procedures for compiling and submitting to the division lists and schedules or records proposed for disposition; and (4) Procedures for the physical destruction or other disposition of records.
(1) Procedures for the adoption of any record to be created by any department, board, commission or agency;
(2) Standards and procedures for the reproduction of records for security or for disposal of original records;
(3) Procedures for compiling and submitting to the division lists and schedules or records proposed for disposition; and
(4) Procedures for the physical destruction or other disposition of records.
(b) All rules and regulations must be approved by a majority of the voting members of the commission. The commissioner of general services as the administrative officer and secretary of the commission shall sign all rules and regulations on behalf of the commission.
(c) The rules and regulations shall be issued and promulgated in accordance with title 4. The commission need not formally meet to act under this section, but may adopt any rule, regulation, procedure or disposal with the written approval of all voting members.
Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 6; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-406; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-209 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-209
Cross index as to all parties in minute books and execution dockets
Status: in_force

The clerks of the supreme court and the clerks of all courts of record are hereby required to index and cross index each record of the minutes of the courts and the execution dockets so respectively required to be kept by them, showing in the direct index, in alphabetical order, the name or names of the plaintiffs or complainants, and against whom the suit is or was brought and, in the cross or reverse index, show the name or names of defendants, in alphabetical order, and by whom the suit is brought. Acts 1893, ch. 66, § 1; Shan., § 5855; Code 1932, § 10057; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-209.
The clerks of the supreme court and the clerks of all courts of record are hereby required to index and cross index each record of the minutes of the courts and the execution dockets so respectively required to be kept by them, showing in the direct index, in alphabetical order, the name or names of the plaintiffs or complainants, and against whom the suit is or was brought and, in the cross or reverse index, show the name or names of defendants, in alphabetical order, and by whom the suit is brought.
Acts 1893, ch. 66, § 1; Shan., § 5855; Code 1932, § 10057; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-209.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-206 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-206
Former indices may be made in addition to required indices
Status: in_force

The indices required to be made and kept shall be in lieu of all indices heretofore required of registers; provided, that any register may continue to make and keep such indices previously required, as the register may determine, in addition to the indices required by §§ 10-7-202 - 10-7-205. Acts 1925, ch. 89, § 3; Shan. Supp., § 567a6; Code 1932, § 821; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-206.
The indices required to be made and kept shall be in lieu of all indices heretofore required of registers; provided, that any register may continue to make and keep such indices previously required, as the register may determine, in addition to the indices required by §§ 10-7-202 - 10-7-205.
Acts 1925, ch. 89, § 3; Shan. Supp., § 567a6; Code 1932, § 821; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-206.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-302 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-302
Public records commission created - Duties
Status: in_force

A public records commission is hereby created to consist of the state treasurer, the comptroller of the treasury, the secretary of state, the director of legal services for the general assembly, and the commissioner of general services as permanent members, any of whom may designate a deputy with a vote as such person's agent to represent such person, the president of the Tennessee historical society as a nonvoting member, and, when required, one (1) temporary and nonvoting member as provided in § 10-7-303 . It is the duty of the commission to determine and order proper disposition of state records. The commission shall direct the department of state to initiate, through the division of records management, by regulation or otherwise, any action it may consider necessary to accomplish more efficient control and regulation of records holdings and management in any agency. Such rules and regulations may authorize centralized microfilming for all departments, etc., or provide for other methods of reproduction for the more efficient disposition of state records. The commission shall elect its chair and shall meet not less often than twice annually. Members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses when attending meetings, and those members who do not receive a fixed salary from the state also shall be paid a per diem of ten dollars ($10.00) for each day of actual meeting. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207,s 2, eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 2; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(58); 1977, ch. 89, § 24; T.C.A., § 15-402; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3; 1982, ch. 810, § 3; 1984, ch. 728, § 8.
A public records commission is hereby created to consist of the state treasurer, the comptroller of the treasury, the secretary of state, the director of legal services for the general assembly, and the commissioner of general services as permanent members, any of whom may designate a deputy with a vote as such person's agent to represent such person, the president of the Tennessee historical society as a nonvoting member, and, when required, one (1) temporary and nonvoting member as provided in § 10-7-303 . It is the duty of the commission to determine and order proper disposition of state records. The commission shall direct the department of state to initiate, through the division of records management, by regulation or otherwise, any action it may consider necessary to accomplish more efficient control and regulation of records holdings and management in any agency. Such rules and regulations may authorize centralized microfilming for all departments, etc., or provide for other methods of reproduction for the more efficient disposition of state records. The commission shall elect its chair and shall meet not less often than twice annually. Members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses when attending meetings, and those members who do not receive a fixed salary from the state also shall be paid a per diem of ten dollars ($10.00) for each day of actual meeting. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207,s 2, eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 2; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(58); 1977, ch. 89, § 24; T.C.A., § 15-402; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3; 1982, ch. 810, § 3; 1984, ch. 728, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-303 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-303
Division of records management - Creation, disposition and preservation of records - Land, legislative and judicial records - Guides
Status: in_force

(a) The division of records management of the department of state shall be the primary records management agency for state government, and as such shall direct the disposition of all records, including electronic processed records and computer output microfilm records. (b) The division shall cooperate with other agencies in the creation of records, forms, etc., which will eventually be subject to retention and/or disposition scheduling. (c) Whenever the head of any state department, commission, board or other agency has certified that records created by such person's department, either permanent, temporary or working papers, as defined in § 10-7-301 , have reached the end of the retention period established prior to the generation of such records, the public records commission shall then approve or disapprove, by a majority vote, the disposition of such records in a manner specified in the rules and regulations of the commission, and any disposition schedule already in effect may be voided or amended by a majority vote at any time by the commission, upon recommendation of a member of the commission or the head of the appropriate department, commission, board or other agency, in consultation with the staff of the division. (d) No record or records shall be scheduled for destruction without the unanimous approval of the voting members of the public records commission. (e) All records concerning private or public lands, with the exception of leases, shall be forever preserved. The records of leases required to be preserved pursuant to § 12-2-108(c) must be forever preserved. (f) When the development of a records management system for judicial records or the disposition of judicial records is under consideration, the attorney general and reporter or the attorney general's representative, and the chief justice of the supreme court or the chief justice's representative shall serve as temporary nonvoting members of the commission. (g) This part applies to judicial records but does not apply to legislative records. (h) (1) (A) The division is authorized to develop a protocol manual or to adopt a published protocol manual to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government. (B) The division is authorized to develop a style manual or guide or to adopt a published style manual or guide to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government. (2) A branch of state government may modify an adopted protocol manual or style guide. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 25, s 1, eff. 3/10/2023. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207, Secs.s 3, s 4 eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 3; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; 1977, ch. 38, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-403; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3; 1984, ch. 891, § 2; 1991, ch. 498, §§ 4, 8; 2001, ch. 328, §§ 2, 3.
(a) The division of records management of the department of state shall be the primary records management agency for state government, and as such shall direct the disposition of all records, including electronic processed records and computer output microfilm records.
(b) The division shall cooperate with other agencies in the creation of records, forms, etc., which will eventually be subject to retention and/or disposition scheduling.
(c) Whenever the head of any state department, commission, board or other agency has certified that records created by such person's department, either permanent, temporary or working papers, as defined in § 10-7-301 , have reached the end of the retention period established prior to the generation of such records, the public records commission shall then approve or disapprove, by a majority vote, the disposition of such records in a manner specified in the rules and regulations of the commission, and any disposition schedule already in effect may be voided or amended by a majority vote at any time by the commission, upon recommendation of a member of the commission or the head of the appropriate department, commission, board or other agency, in consultation with the staff of the division.
(d) No record or records shall be scheduled for destruction without the unanimous approval of the voting members of the public records commission.
(e) All records concerning private or public lands, with the exception of leases, shall be forever preserved. The records of leases required to be preserved pursuant to § 12-2-108(c) must be forever preserved.
(f) When the development of a records management system for judicial records or the disposition of judicial records is under consideration, the attorney general and reporter or the attorney general's representative, and the chief justice of the supreme court or the chief justice's representative shall serve as temporary nonvoting members of the commission.
(g) This part applies to judicial records but does not apply to legislative records.
(h) (1) (A) The division is authorized to develop a protocol manual or to adopt a published protocol manual to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government. (B) The division is authorized to develop a style manual or guide or to adopt a published style manual or guide to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government. (2) A branch of state government may modify an adopted protocol manual or style guide.
(1) (A) The division is authorized to develop a protocol manual or to adopt a published protocol manual to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government. (B) The division is authorized to develop a style manual or guide or to adopt a published style manual or guide to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government.
(A) The division is authorized to develop a protocol manual or to adopt a published protocol manual to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government.
(B) The division is authorized to develop a style manual or guide or to adopt a published style manual or guide to be adopted by the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government.
(2) A branch of state government may modify an adopted protocol manual or style guide.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 25, s 1, eff. 3/10/2023.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207, Secs.s 3, s 4 eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 3; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; 1977, ch. 38, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-403; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3; 1984, ch. 891, § 2; 1991, ch. 498, §§ 4, 8; 2001, ch. 328, §§ 2, 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-5-202 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-5-202
Department of state employees who were previously regional employees - Certification of entitlements
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person currently employed by the department of state who was previously a regional employee shall be treated as a state employee as of the date of employment with the department of state and entitled to all benefits received by regional employees pursuant to this part. (b) The personnel officer or appointing authority of the employee of the regional library shall be responsible for certifying entitlement to such sick leave, annual leave, and longevity credit to the department of state. Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 8.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person currently employed by the department of state who was previously a regional employee shall be treated as a state employee as of the date of employment with the department of state and entitled to all benefits received by regional employees pursuant to this part.
(b) The personnel officer or appointing authority of the employee of the regional library shall be responsible for certifying entitlement to such sick leave, annual leave, and longevity credit to the department of state.
Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-2-104 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Section 10-2-104
Librarians - Certificates required for appointment
Status: in_force

The governing boards of the libraries designated in § 10-2-103 shall be required to appoint to all vacant and new professional library positions falling under their respective jurisdictions only persons who prior to installation hold proper certificates as prescribed by the state board of education. Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-205.
The governing boards of the libraries designated in § 10-2-103 shall be required to appoint to all vacant and new professional library positions falling under their respective jurisdictions only persons who prior to installation hold proper certificates as prescribed by the state board of education.
Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-205.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-301 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-301
Created - Authority - Administration
Status: in_force

There is hereby created the Tennessee Electronic Library which shall be administered by the office of the secretary of state, division of Tennessee state library and archives, which has the authority to coordinate the delivery of electronic databases and other similar services to all libraries, both public and private, within Tennessee which desire to participate in the Tennessee electronic library. The office of the secretary of state, through the division of the state library and archives, has the authority to contract with vendors, for the purpose of purchasing services under state rules and regulations, to administer and facilitate the operation of the Tennessee Electronic Library. Notwithstanding the appropriation of funds, the costs of funding the project during the initial year of operation may be paid out of funds existing within the department of state. Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-401.
There is hereby created the Tennessee Electronic Library which shall be administered by the office of the secretary of state, division of Tennessee state library and archives, which has the authority to coordinate the delivery of electronic databases and other similar services to all libraries, both public and private, within Tennessee which desire to participate in the Tennessee electronic library. The office of the secretary of state, through the division of the state library and archives, has the authority to contract with vendors, for the purpose of purchasing services under state rules and regulations, to administer and facilitate the operation of the Tennessee Electronic Library. Notwithstanding the appropriation of funds, the costs of funding the project during the initial year of operation may be paid out of funds existing within the department of state.
Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-401.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-5-201 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-5-201
Transfer of regional library system employees to department of state - Benefits and salaries
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, upon July 1, 1999, all full-time employees of the regional library system shall be transferred to the department of state and shall become employees of the office of the secretary of state in the manner provided by § 8-30-102(a) . (b) Full-time employees of regional libraries transferred to the department of state shall be entitled to the same benefits enjoyed by other state employees, including retirement benefits, annual and sick leave, participation in any deferred compensation plan, eligibility for health and accident insurance, longevity pay, sick leave banks, bereavement leave, and all other such benefits. (c) Full-time employees of regional libraries transferred to the department of state shall retain their salaries existing at the time of transfer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any benefits of any kind for state employees that were provided to the employees of a regional library during their employment by the regional library are hereby approved, validated and ratified from the date such benefits were conferred or given to the employees by any department, agency or institution of higher education of the state. Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 7.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, upon July 1, 1999, all full-time employees of the regional library system shall be transferred to the department of state and shall become employees of the office of the secretary of state in the manner provided by § 8-30-102(a) .
(b) Full-time employees of regional libraries transferred to the department of state shall be entitled to the same benefits enjoyed by other state employees, including retirement benefits, annual and sick leave, participation in any deferred compensation plan, eligibility for health and accident insurance, longevity pay, sick leave banks, bereavement leave, and all other such benefits.
(c) Full-time employees of regional libraries transferred to the department of state shall retain their salaries existing at the time of transfer. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any benefits of any kind for state employees that were provided to the employees of a regional library during their employment by the regional library are hereby approved, validated and ratified from the date such benefits were conferred or given to the employees by any department, agency or institution of higher education of the state.
Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-114 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-114
Register's fees
Status: in_force

For making such transcript, collation, and index, the register shall be entitled to one dollar ($1.00) per one hundred (100) words, to be paid by the county. Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 4; Shan., § 3791; mod. Code 1932, § 7693; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-114; Acts 1987, ch. 80, § 1.
For making such transcript, collation, and index, the register shall be entitled to one dollar ($1.00) per one hundred (100) words, to be paid by the county.
Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 4; Shan., § 3791; mod. Code 1932, § 7693; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-114; Acts 1987, ch. 80, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-102 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-102
Taxes - Levy
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the decision of such county legislative body and/or city governing body to establish, maintain or support a free public library, or to contract with another library for library service, or to contract with one (1) or more counties or cities for joint operation of a free public library, it shall levy for the purpose a property tax, or shall use therefor funds raised by taxes for county or municipal purposes, such a library service being declared to be a county or municipal service. (b) If a portion of a county is already taxed for maintenance of a free public library, the county legislative body is empowered to levy a tax for a free library on all the property in the county, or the county legislative body may levy a tax on only the property of such portion of the county as is not already taxed for maintenance of a free public library. If a general county-wide tax levy is made for this purpose, the county trustee shall keep the funds raised thereby separate and apart from all other tax funds coming into such county trustee's hands, and shall make quarterly distribution of the same between the county library board and the governing body of the free public library of the city or cities within the limits of the county on the basis of the population enumerated by the most recent federal census. Subject to the preceding sentence, funds raised under §§ 10-3-101 - 10-3-108 may be contributed toward the maintenance of any free public library maintained by a municipality in such county as provided in § 10-3-101 . Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-302.
(a) Upon the decision of such county legislative body and/or city governing body to establish, maintain or support a free public library, or to contract with another library for library service, or to contract with one (1) or more counties or cities for joint operation of a free public library, it shall levy for the purpose a property tax, or shall use therefor funds raised by taxes for county or municipal purposes, such a library service being declared to be a county or municipal service.
(b) If a portion of a county is already taxed for maintenance of a free public library, the county legislative body is empowered to levy a tax for a free library on all the property in the county, or the county legislative body may levy a tax on only the property of such portion of the county as is not already taxed for maintenance of a free public library. If a general county-wide tax levy is made for this purpose, the county trustee shall keep the funds raised thereby separate and apart from all other tax funds coming into such county trustee's hands, and shall make quarterly distribution of the same between the county library board and the governing body of the free public library of the city or cities within the limits of the county on the basis of the population enumerated by the most recent federal census. Subject to the preceding sentence, funds raised under §§ 10-3-101 - 10-3-108 may be contributed toward the maintenance of any free public library maintained by a municipality in such county as provided in § 10-3-101 .
Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-302.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-204 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-204
Direct and reverse indices to personalty - Manner of making
Status: in_force

In the two (2) indices of instruments relating to personal property, the register shall likewise enter and keep alphabetically the names of the grantors or persons, firms, or corporations executing or making the contracts or instruments recorded in the direct index, and the name of the persons, firms, or corporations to whom the conveyances or grants are made, in alphabetical order, in the reverse index, followed by the other entries as above required in regard to instruments relating to real estate. Instruments relating to both realty and personalty shall be indexed in each of the above named sets of indices and as above required. Acts 1925, ch. 89, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 567a3; Code 1932, § 819; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-204.
In the two (2) indices of instruments relating to personal property, the register shall likewise enter and keep alphabetically the names of the grantors or persons, firms, or corporations executing or making the contracts or instruments recorded in the direct index, and the name of the persons, firms, or corporations to whom the conveyances or grants are made, in alphabetical order, in the reverse index, followed by the other entries as above required in regard to instruments relating to real estate. Instruments relating to both realty and personalty shall be indexed in each of the above named sets of indices and as above required.
Acts 1925, ch. 89, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 567a3; Code 1932, § 819; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-204.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-514 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-514
Subscription service required to view military discharge record over internet
Status: in_force

A county register shall not cause a military discharge record recorded in the office of the county register to be viewed over the internet except through a subscription service approved by the county register. Acts 2003, ch. 292, § 1.
A county register shall not cause a military discharge record recorded in the office of the county register to be viewed over the internet except through a subscription service approved by the county register.
Acts 2003, ch. 292, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-203 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-203
Names in deeds of realty to be entered alphabetically in the direct and reverse indices - Other facts to be shown
Status: in_force

In the general direct indices of instruments relating to real estate, the register shall enter the name of the grantor or maker of each instrument recorded, alphabetically arranged, the name of the person, firm, or corporation to whom made, the kind of instrument, its date and the date filed for record, each entry to be under the appropriate head title or column. In like manner, the register shall enter in each reverse index the name of the person, firm, or corporation to whom each conveyance or grant is made, alphabetically arranged, the name of the person, firm, or corporation or other maker by whom executed or made, the character and date of the instrument, and the date filed for record, each entry under its appropriate column or head title. In each book the register shall also enter the book and page in which each respective instrument is recorded in the appropriate column and under the appropriate heading therefor. Acts 1893, ch. 66, § 2; Shan., § 5856; Acts 1925, ch. 89, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 567a2; Code 1932, §§ 818, 10058; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-203.
In the general direct indices of instruments relating to real estate, the register shall enter the name of the grantor or maker of each instrument recorded, alphabetically arranged, the name of the person, firm, or corporation to whom made, the kind of instrument, its date and the date filed for record, each entry to be under the appropriate head title or column. In like manner, the register shall enter in each reverse index the name of the person, firm, or corporation to whom each conveyance or grant is made, alphabetically arranged, the name of the person, firm, or corporation or other maker by whom executed or made, the character and date of the instrument, and the date filed for record, each entry under its appropriate column or head title. In each book the register shall also enter the book and page in which each respective instrument is recorded in the appropriate column and under the appropriate heading therefor.
Acts 1893, ch. 66, § 2; Shan., § 5856; Acts 1925, ch. 89, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 567a2; Code 1932, §§ 818, 10058; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-203.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-201 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-201
Clerks, registers, and other officers to index records - Indexing in name of trust
Status: in_force

(a) Every clerk, register, or other public officer whose duty it may be to keep record books, wherein the records of any court or of any county shall be kept, shall keep an index to each book wherein any suit, decree, judgment, sale, mortgage, transfer, lien, deed, power of attorney, or other record, shall be kept, in which index such clerk, register, or public officer shall enter in alphabetical order, under the name of each party, every suit, judgment, decree, sale, deed, mortgage, or other matter of record required by law to be by such clerk, register or other public officer entered in the record books to be kept by such clerk, register, or other officer, to the end that any judgment, decree, sale, conveyance, mortgage, or other record may be found under the name of either party to any transaction of record. (b) A suit, decree, judgment, sale, mortgage, transfer, lien, deed, power of attorney, or other record referencing a trust must be indexed in the name of the trust, if the name is stated in the document, and in the name of each trustee listed in the document. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 449, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 1871, ch. 85, § 1; Shan., § 5853; Code 1932, § 10055; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-201.
(a) Every clerk, register, or other public officer whose duty it may be to keep record books, wherein the records of any court or of any county shall be kept, shall keep an index to each book wherein any suit, decree, judgment, sale, mortgage, transfer, lien, deed, power of attorney, or other record, shall be kept, in which index such clerk, register, or public officer shall enter in alphabetical order, under the name of each party, every suit, judgment, decree, sale, deed, mortgage, or other matter of record required by law to be by such clerk, register or other public officer entered in the record books to be kept by such clerk, register, or other officer, to the end that any judgment, decree, sale, conveyance, mortgage, or other record may be found under the name of either party to any transaction of record.
(b) A suit, decree, judgment, sale, mortgage, transfer, lien, deed, power of attorney, or other record referencing a trust must be indexed in the name of the trust, if the name is stated in the document, and in the name of each trustee listed in the document.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 449, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 1871, ch. 85, § 1; Shan., § 5853; Code 1932, § 10055; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-201.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-512 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-512
Electronic mail communications systems - Monitoring of electronic mail communications - Policy required
Status: in_force

(a) On or before July 1, 2000, the state or any agency, institution, or political subdivision thereof that operates or maintains an electronic mail communications system shall adopt a written policy on any monitoring of electronic mail communications and the circumstances under which it will be conducted. (b) The policy shall include a statement that correspondence of the employee in the form of electronic mail may be a public record under the public records law and may be subject to public inspection under this part. Acts 1999, ch. 304, § 2.
(a) On or before July 1, 2000, the state or any agency, institution, or political subdivision thereof that operates or maintains an electronic mail communications system shall adopt a written policy on any monitoring of electronic mail communications and the circumstances under which it will be conducted.
(b) The policy shall include a statement that correspondence of the employee in the form of electronic mail may be a public record under the public records law and may be subject to public inspection under this part.
Acts 1999, ch. 304, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-301 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-301
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Agency" means any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other separate unit of government created by law or pursuant to law, including the legislative branch and the judicial branch; provided, however, that for purposes of this part only, "agency" does not include the legislative branch; (2) "Confidential public record" means any public record which has been designated confidential by statute and includes information or matters or records considered to be privileged and any aspect of which access by the general public has been generally denied; (3) "Disposition" means preservation of the original records in whole or in part, preservation by photographic or other reproduction processes, or outright destruction of the records; (4) "Essential records" means any public records essential to the resumption or continuation of operations, to the re-creation of the legal and financial status of government in the state or to the protection and fulfillment of obligations to citizens of the state; (5) "Permanent records" means those records which have permanent administrative, fiscal, historical or legal value; (6) "Public record or records" or "state record or records" means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, sound recordings, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency; (7) "Records creation" means the recording of information on paper, printed forms, punched cards, tape, disk, or any information transmitting media. "Records creation" includes preparation of forms, reports, state publications, and correspondence; (8) "Records disposition authorization" means the official document utilized by an agency head to request authority for the disposition of records. The public records commission shall determine and order the proper disposition of state records through the approval of records disposition authorizations; (9) "Records management" means the application of management techniques to the creation, utilization, maintenance, retention, preservation, and disposal of records in order to reduce costs and improve efficiency of recordkeeping. "Records management" includes records retention schedule development, essential records protection, files management and information retrieval systems, microfilm information systems, correspondence and word processing management, records center, forms management, analysis, and design, and reports and publications management; (10) "Records of archival value" means any public record which may promote or contribute toward the preservation and understanding of historical, cultural, or natural resources of the state of Tennessee; (11) "Records officer" means an individual designated by an agency head to assume responsibility for implementation of the agency's records management program; (12) "Section" and "division" means the division of records management of the department of state; (13) "Temporary records" means material which can be disposed of in a short period of time as being without value in documenting the functions of an agency. Temporary records will be scheduled for disposal by requesting approval from the public records commission utilizing a records disposition authorization; and (14) "Working papers" means those records created to serve as input for final reporting documents, including electronic data processed records, and/or computer output microfilm, and those records which become obsolete immediately after agency use or publication. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207,s 1, eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 1; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; 1978, ch. 544, § 3; T.C.A., § 15-401; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3; 1984, ch. 891, § 1; 1984, ch. 947, § 1; 2001, ch. 328, § 1.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Agency" means any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other separate unit of government created by law or pursuant to law, including the legislative branch and the judicial branch; provided, however, that for purposes of this part only, "agency" does not include the legislative branch;
(2) "Confidential public record" means any public record which has been designated confidential by statute and includes information or matters or records considered to be privileged and any aspect of which access by the general public has been generally denied;
(3) "Disposition" means preservation of the original records in whole or in part, preservation by photographic or other reproduction processes, or outright destruction of the records;
(4) "Essential records" means any public records essential to the resumption or continuation of operations, to the re-creation of the legal and financial status of government in the state or to the protection and fulfillment of obligations to citizens of the state;
(5) "Permanent records" means those records which have permanent administrative, fiscal, historical or legal value;
(6) "Public record or records" or "state record or records" means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, sound recordings, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency;
(7) "Records creation" means the recording of information on paper, printed forms, punched cards, tape, disk, or any information transmitting media. "Records creation" includes preparation of forms, reports, state publications, and correspondence;
(8) "Records disposition authorization" means the official document utilized by an agency head to request authority for the disposition of records. The public records commission shall determine and order the proper disposition of state records through the approval of records disposition authorizations;
(9) "Records management" means the application of management techniques to the creation, utilization, maintenance, retention, preservation, and disposal of records in order to reduce costs and improve efficiency of recordkeeping. "Records management" includes records retention schedule development, essential records protection, files management and information retrieval systems, microfilm information systems, correspondence and word processing management, records center, forms management, analysis, and design, and reports and publications management;
(10) "Records of archival value" means any public record which may promote or contribute toward the preservation and understanding of historical, cultural, or natural resources of the state of Tennessee;
(11) "Records officer" means an individual designated by an agency head to assume responsibility for implementation of the agency's records management program;
(12) "Section" and "division" means the division of records management of the department of state;
(13) "Temporary records" means material which can be disposed of in a short period of time as being without value in documenting the functions of an agency. Temporary records will be scheduled for disposal by requesting approval from the public records commission utilizing a records disposition authorization; and
(14) "Working papers" means those records created to serve as input for final reporting documents, including electronic data processed records, and/or computer output microfilm, and those records which become obsolete immediately after agency use or publication.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207,s 1, eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 1; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; 1978, ch. 544, § 3; T.C.A., § 15-401; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3; 1984, ch. 891, § 1; 1984, ch. 947, § 1; 2001, ch. 328, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-104 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-104
Powers and duties of library board
Status: in_force

The members of the library board shall organize by electing officers and adopting bylaws and regulations. The board has the authority to direct all the affairs of the library, including the authority to appoint a library administrator. The library administrator shall direct the internal affairs of the library, including hiring and directing such assistants or employees as may be necessary. The board may make and enforce rules and regulations and establish branches of service at its discretion. The board may expend funds for the special training and formal education of library personnel; provided, that such personnel shall agree to work in the library for at least two (2) years after completion of such training and education. The board may receive donations, devises, and bequests to be used by it directly for library purposes. The board may hold and convey realty and personal property and negotiate leases for and on behalf of such library. The board shall furnish to the state library agency such statistics and information as may be required, and shall make annual reports to the county legislative body or city governing body. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807,s 1, eff. 4/24/2018. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 5, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-304.
The members of the library board shall organize by electing officers and adopting bylaws and regulations. The board has the authority to direct all the affairs of the library, including the authority to appoint a library administrator. The library administrator shall direct the internal affairs of the library, including hiring and directing such assistants or employees as may be necessary. The board may make and enforce rules and regulations and establish branches of service at its discretion. The board may expend funds for the special training and formal education of library personnel; provided, that such personnel shall agree to work in the library for at least two (2) years after completion of such training and education. The board may receive donations, devises, and bequests to be used by it directly for library purposes. The board may hold and convey realty and personal property and negotiate leases for and on behalf of such library. The board shall furnish to the state library agency such statistics and information as may be required, and shall make annual reports to the county legislative body or city governing body.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807,s 1, eff. 4/24/2018.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 5, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-304.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-101 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-101
Establishment, maintenance and joint operation
Status: in_force

The legislative body of a county or the governing body of an incorporated city or town shall have the authority to establish and maintain, under state and local law, a free public library, or give support to any free public library already established therein, or contract with another library for library service for use of the inhabitants of the county, city, or town, or enter into contractual agreements with one (1) or more counties or cities for the joint operation of a free public library. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 3, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-301.
The legislative body of a county or the governing body of an incorporated city or town shall have the authority to establish and maintain, under state and local law, a free public library, or give support to any free public library already established therein, or contract with another library for library service for use of the inhabitants of the county, city, or town, or enter into contractual agreements with one (1) or more counties or cities for the joint operation of a free public library.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 3, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-301.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-606 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-606
Annual report
Status: in_force

Together with the compilation required in § 10-7-604 , the secretary shall annually deliver to the governor and the general assembly a report containing the following information: (1) The number of vacancies occurring in the preceding year; (2) The number of vacancies occurring as a result of scheduled ends of terms, unscheduled vacancies and the creation of new positions; (3) Breakdowns by county, legislative district and, if known, the sex and race for members whose agency membership terminated during the year and appointees to the vacant positions; and (4) The names of any agencies which have not complied with the requirements of §§ 10-7-601 - 10-7-606. Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 7.
Together with the compilation required in § 10-7-604 , the secretary shall annually deliver to the governor and the general assembly a report containing the following information:
(1) The number of vacancies occurring in the preceding year;
(2) The number of vacancies occurring as a result of scheduled ends of terms, unscheduled vacancies and the creation of new positions;
(3) Breakdowns by county, legislative district and, if known, the sex and race for members whose agency membership terminated during the year and appointees to the vacant positions; and
(4) The names of any agencies which have not complied with the requirements of §§ 10-7-601 - 10-7-606.
Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-107 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-107
Libraries free to inhabitants - Extension of privileges to nonresidents
Status: in_force

Libraries so established or supported shall be free to the inhabitants. The board may extend the privileges and facilities of the library to persons residing outside the county or city upon such terms as it may deem proper. Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 7; T.C.A., § 10-307.
Libraries so established or supported shall be free to the inhabitants. The board may extend the privileges and facilities of the library to persons residing outside the county or city upon such terms as it may deem proper.
Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 7; T.C.A., § 10-307.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-403 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-403
"Public records" defined
Status: in_force

"Public records" within the county shall be construed to mean: (1) All documents, papers, records, books, and books of account in all county offices, including, but not limited to, the county clerk, the county register, the county trustee, the sheriff, the county assessor, the county mayor and county commissioners, if any; (2) The pleadings, documents, and other papers filed with the clerks of all courts, including the courts of record, general sessions courts, and former courts of justices of the peace, and the minute books and other records of these courts; and (3) The minutes and records of the county legislative body. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 16, 22, 36; T.C.A., § 15-503; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 1; 1994, ch. 884, § 2; 1999, ch. 167, § 2; 2003, ch. 90, § 2.
"Public records" within the county shall be construed to mean:
(1) All documents, papers, records, books, and books of account in all county offices, including, but not limited to, the county clerk, the county register, the county trustee, the sheriff, the county assessor, the county mayor and county commissioners, if any;
(2) The pleadings, documents, and other papers filed with the clerks of all courts, including the courts of record, general sessions courts, and former courts of justices of the peace, and the minute books and other records of these courts; and
(3) The minutes and records of the county legislative body.
Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 16, 22, 36; T.C.A., § 15-503; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 1; 1994, ch. 884, § 2; 1999, ch. 167, § 2; 2003, ch. 90, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-515 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-515
Personally identifying information on documents - Redaction
Status: in_force

(a) The preparer of any document recorded in the office of the county register of deeds shall not place personally identifying information on any document filed or recorded in the office of the county register of deeds, other than a power of attorney. However, the county register shall not refuse to record a document for failure of the preparer to comply with the prohibition contained in this section regarding use of personally identifying information; nor shall the failure to comply with such prohibition affect the validity or recordability of any document. (b) Any person or the surviving spouse, attorney-in-fact, or court appointed guardian of the person, may request that a county register of deeds redact the person's personally identifying information from any recorded document, if the records are stored in a manner that permits redaction. (c) The request for redaction of personally identifying information pursuant to subsection (b) shall be made on a paper writing, in a form substantially as follows: REQUEST FOR REDACTION OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION FROM ELECTRONIC DATABASES 1. Full name of individual whose personally identifying information will be redacted as it appears on the document: ______________ 2. Name of person making the request if different than above: ______________ 3. If not the individual whose personally identifying information will be redacted, identify the legal relationship that entitles you to make the request: (check one) a. Surviving spouse ____________________ b. Attorney-in-fact ____________________ c. Court appointed guardian ____________________ 4. Type of record: ______________ 5. Book and page number or other reference identifying where the document is recorded in the ____________________ County Register's office: Book No. ____________________ Page No. ____________________ or Instrument No. ____________________ 6. Signature of person making the request: ______________ State of Tennessee County of ______________ Personally appeared before me, ______________ (person duly authorized to take acknowledgments in [____________________] county), the within named ____________________, with whom I am personally acquainted (or proven to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) and who acknowledges that such person executed the within instrument for the purpose of making a request of the Register of Deeds of ______________ County, Tennessee, to redact personally identifying information from the aforementioned record, excepting microfilm records. Witness my hand this ____________________ day of ______________, 20____________________. ____________________ (signature of person taking acknowledgement) [Space for Seal of Office] (d) The completed request form provided in subsection (c) may be recorded in the office of the county register of deeds where submitted. The register has no duty to inquire beyond the acknowledged request to verify the identity or authority of the person requesting the redaction. (e) Upon recording the written request, the county register shall act in accordance with the request to redact the personally identifying information from electronic databases in the office of the county register where practicable. If redaction is not practicable, the county register shall not record the request form and shall verbally or by writing explain why redaction is impracticable to the person making the request. (f) A county register of deeds may redact any personally identifying information that is found on a recorded document maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media, including CD-ROM disk, if the records are stored in a manner that permits redaction. (g) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, compliance with this section shall satisfy all of the obligations of a county register of deeds under § 10-7-504(a)(29) relative to the nondisclosure of personally identifying information. (h) As used in this section, "personally identifying information" has the same meaning as defined in § 10-7-504(a)(29) . Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 914, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 914, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 694, s 2, eff. 3/24/2016. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 45, s 1, Sec.s 2 eff. 3/27/2015. Acts 2003 , ch. 292, § 1; 2006, ch. 555, § 1; 2009 , ch. 260, § 1; 2011 , ch. 256, §§ 1, 2.
(a) The preparer of any document recorded in the office of the county register of deeds shall not place personally identifying information on any document filed or recorded in the office of the county register of deeds, other than a power of attorney. However, the county register shall not refuse to record a document for failure of the preparer to comply with the prohibition contained in this section regarding use of personally identifying information; nor shall the failure to comply with such prohibition affect the validity or recordability of any document.
(b) Any person or the surviving spouse, attorney-in-fact, or court appointed guardian of the person, may request that a county register of deeds redact the person's personally identifying information from any recorded document, if the records are stored in a manner that permits redaction.
(c) The request for redaction of personally identifying information pursuant to subsection (b) shall be made on a paper writing, in a form substantially as follows: REQUEST FOR REDACTION OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION FROM ELECTRONIC DATABASES 1. Full name of individual whose personally identifying information will be redacted as it appears on the document: ______________ 2. Name of person making the request if different than above: ______________ 3. If not the individual whose personally identifying information will be redacted, identify the legal relationship that entitles you to make the request: (check one) a. Surviving spouse ____________________ b. Attorney-in-fact ____________________ c. Court appointed guardian ____________________ 4. Type of record: ______________ 5. Book and page number or other reference identifying where the document is recorded in the ____________________ County Register's office: Book No. ____________________ Page No. ____________________ or Instrument No. ____________________ 6. Signature of person making the request: ______________ State of Tennessee County of ______________ Personally appeared before me, ______________ (person duly authorized to take acknowledgments in [____________________] county), the within named ____________________, with whom I am personally acquainted (or proven to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) and who acknowledges that such person executed the within instrument for the purpose of making a request of the Register of Deeds of ______________ County, Tennessee, to redact personally identifying information from the aforementioned record, excepting microfilm records. Witness my hand this ____________________ day of ______________, 20____________________. ____________________ (signature of person taking acknowledgement) [Space for Seal of Office]
REQUEST FOR REDACTION OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION FROM ELECTRONIC DATABASES
1. Full name of individual whose personally identifying information will be redacted as it appears on the document: ______________
2. Name of person making the request if different than above: ______________
3. If not the individual whose personally identifying information will be redacted, identify the legal relationship that entitles you to make the request: (check one) a. Surviving spouse ____________________ b. Attorney-in-fact ____________________ c. Court appointed guardian ____________________
a. Surviving spouse ____________________
b. Attorney-in-fact ____________________
c. Court appointed guardian ____________________
4. Type of record: ______________
5. Book and page number or other reference identifying where the document is recorded in the ____________________ County Register's office: Book No. ____________________ Page No. ____________________ or Instrument No. ____________________
Book No. ____________________ Page No. ____________________ or Instrument No. ____________________
6. Signature of person making the request: ______________ State of Tennessee County of ______________ Personally appeared before me, ______________ (person duly authorized to take acknowledgments in [____________________] county), the within named ____________________, with whom I am personally acquainted (or proven to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) and who acknowledges that such person executed the within instrument for the purpose of making a request of the Register of Deeds of ______________ County, Tennessee, to redact personally identifying information from the aforementioned record, excepting microfilm records. Witness my hand this ____________________ day of ______________, 20____________________. ____________________ (signature of person taking acknowledgement) [Space for Seal of Office]
State of Tennessee
County of ______________
Personally appeared before me, ______________ (person duly authorized to take acknowledgments in [____________________] county), the within named ____________________, with whom I am personally acquainted (or proven to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) and who acknowledges that such person executed the within instrument for the purpose of making a request of the Register of Deeds of ______________ County, Tennessee, to redact personally identifying information from the aforementioned record, excepting microfilm records.
Witness my hand this ____________________ day of ______________, 20____________________.
____________________
(signature of person taking acknowledgement)
[Space for Seal of Office]
(d) The completed request form provided in subsection (c) may be recorded in the office of the county register of deeds where submitted. The register has no duty to inquire beyond the acknowledged request to verify the identity or authority of the person requesting the redaction.
(e) Upon recording the written request, the county register shall act in accordance with the request to redact the personally identifying information from electronic databases in the office of the county register where practicable. If redaction is not practicable, the county register shall not record the request form and shall verbally or by writing explain why redaction is impracticable to the person making the request.
(f) A county register of deeds may redact any personally identifying information that is found on a recorded document maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media, including CD-ROM disk, if the records are stored in a manner that permits redaction.
(g) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, compliance with this section shall satisfy all of the obligations of a county register of deeds under § 10-7-504(a)(29) relative to the nondisclosure of personally identifying information.
(h) As used in this section, "personally identifying information" has the same meaning as defined in § 10-7-504(a)(29) .
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 914, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 914, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 694, s 2, eff. 3/24/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 45, s 1, Sec.s 2 eff. 3/27/2015.
Acts 2003 , ch. 292, § 1; 2006, ch. 555, § 1; 2009 , ch. 260, § 1; 2011 , ch. 256, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-406 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-406
Original records photographed in duplicate before destruction - Stored for safekeeping - Accessible to public
Status: in_force

(a) (1) When the county public records commission, with the consent and concurrence of the officers and bodies, if any, as prescribed in § 10-7-404 , decides to destroy the originals of any records required by law to be permanently kept, the commission shall cause the records to be photographed, microphotographed, filmed or microfilmed in duplicate. This duplication process shall result in permanent records of a quality at least as good as is prescribed by the minimum standards of quality for permanent photographic records made and established by the bureau of standards of the United States government. If a marginal release or other information on an old record has failed or has been obliterated to a degree that it is impossible to photograph, the same may be verified on the margin by the register before microfilming. One (1) copy of such reproduction shall be stored for safekeeping in a place selected by the commission and concurred in by the county legislative body. (2) Such place shall be in the state if proper facilities are available, but, if not, then in a place outside the state. (3) Such location shall be selected with a view of protection of the records from fire and all other hazards. The other copy of each document shall be kept in an office in the county accessible to the public and to the several county officers and the county clerks, together with the proper equipment for using, examining, exhibiting, projecting and enlarging the same wherever required and requested by the public during reasonable office hours. The records of each office may be kept in that office, or, if the commission so determines, all the reproduced records may be kept in one (1) central records office. (b) Any public record defined as "temporary record" and/or "working papers" as defined in § 10-7-301 may be destroyed in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the commission without retaining the originals of such records. (c) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to provide for the original recording of any and all instruments by photograph, photostat, film, microfilm or other microphotographic process. If any laws or part of laws as set forth in this chapter are in conflict with such purpose, such laws or part of laws to that extent are hereby repealed. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 5; 1963, ch. 203, § 1; 1971, ch. 154, § 1; 1977, ch. 486, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 22, 36; T.C.A., § 15-506; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 3; 1999, ch. 167, § 4.
(a) (1) When the county public records commission, with the consent and concurrence of the officers and bodies, if any, as prescribed in § 10-7-404 , decides to destroy the originals of any records required by law to be permanently kept, the commission shall cause the records to be photographed, microphotographed, filmed or microfilmed in duplicate. This duplication process shall result in permanent records of a quality at least as good as is prescribed by the minimum standards of quality for permanent photographic records made and established by the bureau of standards of the United States government. If a marginal release or other information on an old record has failed or has been obliterated to a degree that it is impossible to photograph, the same may be verified on the margin by the register before microfilming. One (1) copy of such reproduction shall be stored for safekeeping in a place selected by the commission and concurred in by the county legislative body. (2) Such place shall be in the state if proper facilities are available, but, if not, then in a place outside the state. (3) Such location shall be selected with a view of protection of the records from fire and all other hazards. The other copy of each document shall be kept in an office in the county accessible to the public and to the several county officers and the county clerks, together with the proper equipment for using, examining, exhibiting, projecting and enlarging the same wherever required and requested by the public during reasonable office hours. The records of each office may be kept in that office, or, if the commission so determines, all the reproduced records may be kept in one (1) central records office.
(1) When the county public records commission, with the consent and concurrence of the officers and bodies, if any, as prescribed in § 10-7-404 , decides to destroy the originals of any records required by law to be permanently kept, the commission shall cause the records to be photographed, microphotographed, filmed or microfilmed in duplicate. This duplication process shall result in permanent records of a quality at least as good as is prescribed by the minimum standards of quality for permanent photographic records made and established by the bureau of standards of the United States government. If a marginal release or other information on an old record has failed or has been obliterated to a degree that it is impossible to photograph, the same may be verified on the margin by the register before microfilming. One (1) copy of such reproduction shall be stored for safekeeping in a place selected by the commission and concurred in by the county legislative body.
(2) Such place shall be in the state if proper facilities are available, but, if not, then in a place outside the state.
(3) Such location shall be selected with a view of protection of the records from fire and all other hazards. The other copy of each document shall be kept in an office in the county accessible to the public and to the several county officers and the county clerks, together with the proper equipment for using, examining, exhibiting, projecting and enlarging the same wherever required and requested by the public during reasonable office hours. The records of each office may be kept in that office, or, if the commission so determines, all the reproduced records may be kept in one (1) central records office.
(b) Any public record defined as "temporary record" and/or "working papers" as defined in § 10-7-301 may be destroyed in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the commission without retaining the originals of such records.
(c) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to provide for the original recording of any and all instruments by photograph, photostat, film, microfilm or other microphotographic process. If any laws or part of laws as set forth in this chapter are in conflict with such purpose, such laws or part of laws to that extent are hereby repealed.
Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 5; 1963, ch. 203, § 1; 1971, ch. 154, § 1; 1977, ch. 486, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 22, 36; T.C.A., § 15-506; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 3; 1999, ch. 167, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-101 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-101
Division of public libraries and archives
Status: in_force

A division of public libraries and archives is hereby created within, and administratively attached to, the office of the secretary of state. The authority, powers, and duties formerly vested by law in the commissioner of education shall be vested in the secretary of state and are to be administered through and by the division of public libraries and archives. The division shall have transferred and attached to it: (1) The office of state historian; and (2) All historical and memorial commissions and associations created by act of the general assembly and expending public funds, for purposes of administration, except the Tennessee historical commission. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; 1975, ch. 143, § 2; T.C.A., § 10-101; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 1; 1984, ch. 728, § 2; 2008, ch. 631, § 2.
A division of public libraries and archives is hereby created within, and administratively attached to, the office of the secretary of state. The authority, powers, and duties formerly vested by law in the commissioner of education shall be vested in the secretary of state and are to be administered through and by the division of public libraries and archives. The division shall have transferred and attached to it:
(1) The office of state historian; and
(2) All historical and memorial commissions and associations created by act of the general assembly and expending public funds, for purposes of administration, except the Tennessee historical commission.
Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; 1975, ch. 143, § 2; T.C.A., § 10-101; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 1; 1984, ch. 728, § 2; 2008, ch. 631, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-110 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-110
Entry in transcript book
Status: in_force

On producing such certificate, the register as transcriber shall insert the probate or acknowledgment and certificate at the foot of the deed on the register's record, just as if the original deed had been produced. Code 1858, § 2104 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 3; 1807, ch. 62); Shan., § 3784; mod. Code 1932, § 7689; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-110.
On producing such certificate, the register as transcriber shall insert the probate or acknowledgment and certificate at the foot of the deed on the register's record, just as if the original deed had been produced.
Code 1858, § 2104 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 3; 1807, ch. 62); Shan., § 3784; mod. Code 1932, § 7689; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-110.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-201 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-201
Appointment - Duties and powers
Status: in_force

A state librarian and archivist shall be appointed by the secretary of state. The person appointed as librarian and archivist shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or place of previous residence. The state librarian and archivist shall serve as chief administrative officer of the state library system and shall be responsible to the secretary of state. Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.6); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-108; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 11; 1983, ch. 37, § 8; 1984, ch. 728, § 5; 2008, ch. 631, § 14.
A state librarian and archivist shall be appointed by the secretary of state. The person appointed as librarian and archivist shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or place of previous residence. The state librarian and archivist shall serve as chief administrative officer of the state library system and shall be responsible to the secretary of state.
Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.6); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-108; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 11; 1983, ch. 37, § 8; 1984, ch. 728, § 5; 2008, ch. 631, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-112 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-112
Register to index transcript book or books
Status: in_force

The register shall properly index such transcript book or books. Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 3; Shan., § 3789; Code 1932, § 7691; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-112.
The register shall properly index such transcript book or books.
Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 3; Shan., § 3789; Code 1932, § 7691; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-304 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-304
Qualifying participants
Status: in_force

Participants in the Tennessee Electronic Library shall be limited to Tennessee public and not-for-profit, academic and school libraries within Tennessee, and any agency of state government whose mission is to provide support services to public or educational libraries. Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-404.
Participants in the Tennessee Electronic Library shall be limited to Tennessee public and not-for-profit, academic and school libraries within Tennessee, and any agency of state government whose mission is to provide support services to public or educational libraries.
Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-404.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-508 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-508
Access to records - Records of archival value - Retention or disposal of records
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state or the secretary of state's designated representative, the state librarian and archivist, and the comptroller of the treasury or the comptroller's designated representative for purposes of audit, shall be accorded access to and may examine and receive any public records or writings, whether or not they are subject to public inspection. They shall maintain inviolate any privileged or confidential information so acquired and any record or writing so defined by law. (b) The state librarian and archivist or an archivist designated by the state librarian and archivist and the secretary of state or a records analyst designated by the secretary of state shall be accorded access to and may examine any confidential public records for the purpose of determining, in consultation with the agency head or a representative of the agency which has title to the records, whether such records are records of archival value or whether such records are properly filed or designated as confidential. If the state librarian and archivist or such representative, the secretary of state or such representative and the agency head or such representative should determine that certain administrative or otherwise open public records have been inappropriately filed and designated as confidential public records, then such records shall be removed from the designation of confidential and filed within the appropriate level of access designation. Such access to appraise the archival value of such confidential records shall be provided for in the scheduling of retention periods through appropriate records disposition authorizations which are reviewed and approved by the public records commission. (c) Records determined to be of archival value shall be retained as provided in rules and regulations for records management of records of archival value of the public records commission, and those confidential records determined not to be of archival value shall be disposed of by authorized means and in accordance with approved records disposition authorizations. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207, Secs.s 8, s 9 eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1978, ch. 544, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-309; Acts 1984, ch. 947, § 3.
(a) The secretary of state or the secretary of state's designated representative, the state librarian and archivist, and the comptroller of the treasury or the comptroller's designated representative for purposes of audit, shall be accorded access to and may examine and receive any public records or writings, whether or not they are subject to public inspection. They shall maintain inviolate any privileged or confidential information so acquired and any record or writing so defined by law.
(b) The state librarian and archivist or an archivist designated by the state librarian and archivist and the secretary of state or a records analyst designated by the secretary of state shall be accorded access to and may examine any confidential public records for the purpose of determining, in consultation with the agency head or a representative of the agency which has title to the records, whether such records are records of archival value or whether such records are properly filed or designated as confidential. If the state librarian and archivist or such representative, the secretary of state or such representative and the agency head or such representative should determine that certain administrative or otherwise open public records have been inappropriately filed and designated as confidential public records, then such records shall be removed from the designation of confidential and filed within the appropriate level of access designation. Such access to appraise the archival value of such confidential records shall be provided for in the scheduling of retention periods through appropriate records disposition authorizations which are reviewed and approved by the public records commission.
(c) Records determined to be of archival value shall be retained as provided in rules and regulations for records management of records of archival value of the public records commission, and those confidential records determined not to be of archival value shall be disposed of by authorized means and in accordance with approved records disposition authorizations.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207, Secs.s 8, s 9 eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1978, ch. 544, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-309; Acts 1984, ch. 947, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-204 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-204
Federal funds for library programs
Status: in_force

The secretary of state is authorized and empowered to make agreements with the United States and its agencies in regard to the administration of library programs, and to accept federal funds upon such terms and conditions as may be required by act of congress or rules and regulations issued in accordance with such act; provided, that state funds shall not be obligated for participation in any federal program unless the same are paid from current appropriations or operating funds. If required, the state treasurer shall give receipt for such funds, make a special bond for the same, or keep special accounts of such funds. At the end of this or succeeding bienniums, such funds shall not become a part of the state's general fund but shall be expended only for such library purposes as may have been agreed upon. Acts 1957, ch. 84, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A., § 10-113; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 13; 1984, ch. 728, § 7; 2008, ch. 631, § 16.
The secretary of state is authorized and empowered to make agreements with the United States and its agencies in regard to the administration of library programs, and to accept federal funds upon such terms and conditions as may be required by act of congress or rules and regulations issued in accordance with such act; provided, that state funds shall not be obligated for participation in any federal program unless the same are paid from current appropriations or operating funds. If required, the state treasurer shall give receipt for such funds, make a special bond for the same, or keep special accounts of such funds. At the end of this or succeeding bienniums, such funds shall not become a part of the state's general fund but shall be expended only for such library purposes as may have been agreed upon.
Acts 1957, ch. 84, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A., § 10-113; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 13; 1984, ch. 728, § 7; 2008, ch. 631, § 16.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-510 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-510
Transfer of documents from criminal cases to not-for-profit depositories
Status: in_force

(a) The district attorney general of a judicial district, after giving written notice of the proposed transfer prior to such transfer to the presiding officer of the legislative body in which such record, document or evidence is located, may permanently transfer custody and ownership of all original records, documents and physical evidence in the district attorney general's possession that was collected, compiled and maintained in a particular criminal case or investigation to a university or other institution of higher education, museum, library or other not-for-profit corporation organized for the primary purpose of preserving and displaying items of historical significance, if: (1) The university, museum, library or not-for-profit corporation has formally requested transfer of the records, documents and evidence in a particular case or investigation; (2) The documents, records and evidence requested are, in the opinion of such district attorney general, of historical significance and their display would enhance public understanding, education or appreciation of a particular time or event in history; (3) The documents, records and evidence requested have by operation of law become public records; and (4) The district attorney general or clerk duplicates or photographs all documents and records transferred in a manner approved by the public records commission. (b) If such original records, documents or physical evidence are in the sole custody of the criminal court clerk of any judicial district, such clerk may permanently transfer custody and ownership of such records, documents or physical evidence with the approval of the district attorney general of the appropriate judicial district, after giving written notice of the proposed transfer prior to such transfer to the presiding officer of the legislative body for the jurisdiction in which such record, document or evidence is located. (c) If it is determined that such documents, records and evidence are to be transferred, the district attorney general shall make the final decision as to the date, time and method by which such transfer is effectuated. (d) Upon the transfer of such documents, records and evidence as provided by this section, any party desiring to view such material shall do so at the site where the material has been transferred. (e) As used in this section, "historical significance" means that the event giving rise to the documents, records or evidence being transferred occurred twenty (20) years or more prior to April 18, 1994. (f) This section does not apply to records or documents which are made confidential by any provision of law. Acts 1994, ch. 826, § 1.
(a) The district attorney general of a judicial district, after giving written notice of the proposed transfer prior to such transfer to the presiding officer of the legislative body in which such record, document or evidence is located, may permanently transfer custody and ownership of all original records, documents and physical evidence in the district attorney general's possession that was collected, compiled and maintained in a particular criminal case or investigation to a university or other institution of higher education, museum, library or other not-for-profit corporation organized for the primary purpose of preserving and displaying items of historical significance, if: (1) The university, museum, library or not-for-profit corporation has formally requested transfer of the records, documents and evidence in a particular case or investigation; (2) The documents, records and evidence requested are, in the opinion of such district attorney general, of historical significance and their display would enhance public understanding, education or appreciation of a particular time or event in history; (3) The documents, records and evidence requested have by operation of law become public records; and (4) The district attorney general or clerk duplicates or photographs all documents and records transferred in a manner approved by the public records commission.
(1) The university, museum, library or not-for-profit corporation has formally requested transfer of the records, documents and evidence in a particular case or investigation;
(2) The documents, records and evidence requested are, in the opinion of such district attorney general, of historical significance and their display would enhance public understanding, education or appreciation of a particular time or event in history;
(3) The documents, records and evidence requested have by operation of law become public records; and
(4) The district attorney general or clerk duplicates or photographs all documents and records transferred in a manner approved by the public records commission.
(b) If such original records, documents or physical evidence are in the sole custody of the criminal court clerk of any judicial district, such clerk may permanently transfer custody and ownership of such records, documents or physical evidence with the approval of the district attorney general of the appropriate judicial district, after giving written notice of the proposed transfer prior to such transfer to the presiding officer of the legislative body for the jurisdiction in which such record, document or evidence is located.
(c) If it is determined that such documents, records and evidence are to be transferred, the district attorney general shall make the final decision as to the date, time and method by which such transfer is effectuated.
(d) Upon the transfer of such documents, records and evidence as provided by this section, any party desiring to view such material shall do so at the site where the material has been transferred.
(e) As used in this section, "historical significance" means that the event giving rise to the documents, records or evidence being transferred occurred twenty (20) years or more prior to April 18, 1994.
(f) This section does not apply to records or documents which are made confidential by any provision of law.
Acts 1994, ch. 826, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-401 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-401
County public records commission created - Membership
Status: in_force

In order to provide for the orderly disposition of public records created by agencies of county government, the county legislative body shall create within the county a county public records commission, composed of at least six (6) members. The county mayor shall appoint three (3) members and the county legislative body shall confirm each appointee. Of the three (3) appointees, one (1) shall be a member of the county legislative body, one (1) shall be a judge of one of the courts of record or designee of such judge which holds court in the county and one (1) shall be a genealogist. The county clerk, or the designee of the county clerk, county register, or the designee of the county register, and the county historian shall be ex officio members of the commission. In counties having a duly appointed county archivist, that person shall also serve as an ex officio member of the commission. In counties having a technology department or information technology department, the county legislative body may designate the director of such department as an ex officio member of the commission, and if so designated, the director or designee of the director shall also serve as an ex officio member of the commission. Each elected member of the commission shall hold office during the term for which the member was elected to office. If a vacancy occurs in one (1) of the appointed positions, the county mayor shall appoint a person in the same manner as the original appointment. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 135,Secs.s1, s2 eff. 4/12/2013. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 1; 1965, ch. 316, § 1; 1968, ch. 507, § 1; 1977, ch. 78, § 1; 1977, ch. 486, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 15-501; Acts 1987, ch. 195, § 1; 1994, ch. 884, § 1; 1998, ch. 793, §§ 3, 4; 2002, ch. 606, § 1; 2003, ch. 90, § 2; 2006, ch. 605, § 1.
In order to provide for the orderly disposition of public records created by agencies of county government, the county legislative body shall create within the county a county public records commission, composed of at least six (6) members. The county mayor shall appoint three (3) members and the county legislative body shall confirm each appointee. Of the three (3) appointees, one (1) shall be a member of the county legislative body, one (1) shall be a judge of one of the courts of record or designee of such judge which holds court in the county and one (1) shall be a genealogist. The county clerk, or the designee of the county clerk, county register, or the designee of the county register, and the county historian shall be ex officio members of the commission. In counties having a duly appointed county archivist, that person shall also serve as an ex officio member of the commission. In counties having a technology department or information technology department, the county legislative body may designate the director of such department as an ex officio member of the commission, and if so designated, the director or designee of the director shall also serve as an ex officio member of the commission. Each elected member of the commission shall hold office during the term for which the member was elected to office. If a vacancy occurs in one (1) of the appointed positions, the county mayor shall appoint a person in the same manner as the original appointment.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 135,Secs.s1, s2 eff. 4/12/2013.
Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 1; 1965, ch. 316, § 1; 1968, ch. 507, § 1; 1977, ch. 78, § 1; 1977, ch. 486, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 15-501; Acts 1987, ch. 195, § 1; 1994, ch. 884, § 1; 1998, ch. 793, §§ 3, 4; 2002, ch. 606, § 1; 2003, ch. 90, § 2; 2006, ch. 605, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-411 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-411
Rules and regulations of commission
Status: in_force

(a) The county records commission has the authority to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to the making, filing, storing, exhibiting and copying of the reproductions of records authorized by this chapter. (b) Such rules and regulations shall provide, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Standards and procedures for the reproduction of records for security or for disposal of original records in all county offices; (2) Procedures for compiling and submitting to all county offices lists, schedules or time tables for disposition of particular records within the county; and (3) Procedures for the physical destruction or other disposition of public records. (c) All rules and regulations shall be approved by a majority of the voting members of the county public records commission. The chair of the commission shall sign all rules and regulations on behalf of the commission. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 11; T.C.A., § 15-511; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 4; 1994, ch. 884, §§ 6, 7.
(a) The county records commission has the authority to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to the making, filing, storing, exhibiting and copying of the reproductions of records authorized by this chapter.
(b) Such rules and regulations shall provide, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Standards and procedures for the reproduction of records for security or for disposal of original records in all county offices; (2) Procedures for compiling and submitting to all county offices lists, schedules or time tables for disposition of particular records within the county; and (3) Procedures for the physical destruction or other disposition of public records.
(1) Standards and procedures for the reproduction of records for security or for disposal of original records in all county offices;
(2) Procedures for compiling and submitting to all county offices lists, schedules or time tables for disposition of particular records within the county; and
(3) Procedures for the physical destruction or other disposition of public records.
(c) All rules and regulations shall be approved by a majority of the voting members of the county public records commission. The chair of the commission shall sign all rules and regulations on behalf of the commission.
Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 11; T.C.A., § 15-511; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 4; 1994, ch. 884, §§ 6, 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-106 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-106
Transcript books to be collated and certified to by register and deputy register
Status: in_force

The copies made by the register shall be faithfully collated by the register and deputy register, both of whom shall, at the end of each book of transcript, by a joint certificate, certify that they have carefully collated the same with the original record book, and that it contains a full, true, and complete copy or transcript of the record in the original book; and in case any part of the original record is destroyed or mutilated so that the same cannot be ascertained, they shall add to their certificate the words, "so far as the same can be ascertained from its burned or mutilated condition," and the transcript shall be as effectual and valid to all intents and purposes as the original record, except as is provided in §§ 10-7-116 and 10-7-118 . Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 2; Shan., § 3788; mod. Code 1932, § 7685; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-106.
The copies made by the register shall be faithfully collated by the register and deputy register, both of whom shall, at the end of each book of transcript, by a joint certificate, certify that they have carefully collated the same with the original record book, and that it contains a full, true, and complete copy or transcript of the record in the original book; and in case any part of the original record is destroyed or mutilated so that the same cannot be ascertained, they shall add to their certificate the words, "so far as the same can be ascertained from its burned or mutilated condition," and the transcript shall be as effectual and valid to all intents and purposes as the original record, except as is provided in §§ 10-7-116 and 10-7-118 .
Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 2; Shan., § 3788; mod. Code 1932, § 7685; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-106.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-108 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-108
Entering omitted probate or acknowledgment in transcript where document in existence
Status: in_force

Any person having such a registered instrument in such person's possession may produce it to the register as transcriber while such person is transcribing, or to the register after the transcript is completed, and have the probate or acknowledgment entered of record. Code 1858, § 2102 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 2); Shan., § 3782; mod. Code 1932, § 7687; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-108.
Any person having such a registered instrument in such person's possession may produce it to the register as transcriber while such person is transcribing, or to the register after the transcript is completed, and have the probate or acknowledgment entered of record.
Code 1858, § 2102 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 2); Shan., § 3782; mod. Code 1932, § 7687; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-108.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-121 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-121
Government records kept on computer or removable computer storage media
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any information required to be kept as a record by any government official may be maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media, including in any appropriate electronic medium, instead of bound books or paper records if the following standards are met: (A) Such information is available for public inspection, unless it is a confidential record according to law; (B) Due care is taken to maintain any information that is a public record during the time required by law for retention; (C) All daily data generated and stored within the computer system shall be copied to computer storage media daily, and the newly created computer storage media more than one (1) week old shall be stored at a location other than at the building where the original is maintained; and (D) The official can provide a paper copy of the information when needed or when requested by a member of the public. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the government official to sell or provide the media upon which such information is stored or maintained. (b) In any county having a population of more than eight hundred thousand (800,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all material that is maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media by the assessor of property that relates to information developed from the assessment of property or that is a record of the final assessment of property shall be made available to the public at cost within thirty (30) days of a request by a member of the public. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 648,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1993, ch. 315, § 10; 1994, ch. 643, § 1.
(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any information required to be kept as a record by any government official may be maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media, including in any appropriate electronic medium, instead of bound books or paper records if the following standards are met: (A) Such information is available for public inspection, unless it is a confidential record according to law; (B) Due care is taken to maintain any information that is a public record during the time required by law for retention; (C) All daily data generated and stored within the computer system shall be copied to computer storage media daily, and the newly created computer storage media more than one (1) week old shall be stored at a location other than at the building where the original is maintained; and (D) The official can provide a paper copy of the information when needed or when requested by a member of the public. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the government official to sell or provide the media upon which such information is stored or maintained.
(1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any information required to be kept as a record by any government official may be maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media, including in any appropriate electronic medium, instead of bound books or paper records if the following standards are met: (A) Such information is available for public inspection, unless it is a confidential record according to law; (B) Due care is taken to maintain any information that is a public record during the time required by law for retention; (C) All daily data generated and stored within the computer system shall be copied to computer storage media daily, and the newly created computer storage media more than one (1) week old shall be stored at a location other than at the building where the original is maintained; and (D) The official can provide a paper copy of the information when needed or when requested by a member of the public.
(A) Such information is available for public inspection, unless it is a confidential record according to law;
(B) Due care is taken to maintain any information that is a public record during the time required by law for retention;
(C) All daily data generated and stored within the computer system shall be copied to computer storage media daily, and the newly created computer storage media more than one (1) week old shall be stored at a location other than at the building where the original is maintained; and
(D) The official can provide a paper copy of the information when needed or when requested by a member of the public.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the government official to sell or provide the media upon which such information is stored or maintained.
(b) In any county having a population of more than eight hundred thousand (800,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all material that is maintained on a computer or removable computer storage media by the assessor of property that relates to information developed from the assessment of property or that is a record of the final assessment of property shall be made available to the public at cost within thirty (30) days of a request by a member of the public.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 648,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1993, ch. 315, § 10; 1994, ch. 643, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-5-102 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-5-102
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 249, s 5, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126, s 10, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1955, ch. 88, § 2; 1961, ch. 73, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-602; Acts 1989, ch. 123, § 2.
Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 249, s 5, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126, s 10, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 88, § 2; 1961, ch. 73, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-602; Acts 1989, ch. 123, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-5-204 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-5-204
Status of regional library employees becoming employees of state - Contributions - Participation - Retirement system benefits - Credit for prior service
Status: in_force

Upon joining as employees of the state of Tennessee, regional library employees shall make the same contributions, participate in the same manner, and shall be eligible for the same benefits as state employees participating in the retirement system. Such employees shall be entitled to credit for such prior service with the regional library boards. Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 10.
Upon joining as employees of the state of Tennessee, regional library employees shall make the same contributions, participate in the same manner, and shall be eligible for the same benefits as state employees participating in the retirement system. Such employees shall be entitled to credit for such prior service with the regional library boards.
Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-118 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-118
Copies of such transcribed records - Admissibility as evidence
Status: in_force

Whenever the records, or any part of the records, of any of the counties are transcribed by order or authority of the county legislative body of such county, on account of the original records being mutilated, defaced, or for any other cause, a certified copy from such transcribed records shall be admissible as evidence in the several courts of this state, and shall have the same validity as if the certified copy was made from the original record, subject to § 10-7-116 . Acts 1879, ch. 115, § 1; Shan., § 3792; mod. Code 1932, § 7697; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-118.
Whenever the records, or any part of the records, of any of the counties are transcribed by order or authority of the county legislative body of such county, on account of the original records being mutilated, defaced, or for any other cause, a certified copy from such transcribed records shall be admissible as evidence in the several courts of this state, and shall have the same validity as if the certified copy was made from the original record, subject to § 10-7-116 .
Acts 1879, ch. 115, § 1; Shan., § 3792; mod. Code 1932, § 7697; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-118.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-305 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-305
Administrative officer and secretary - Duties
Status: in_force

The commissioner of general services shall be the administrative officer and secretary of the public records commission and act on its behalf and by its direction to make and enter into contracts and agreements with other departments, agencies, boards and commissions of state government as the commission may consider necessary, expedient or incidental to the performance of its duties under this chapter. Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 5; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-405; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3.
The commissioner of general services shall be the administrative officer and secretary of the public records commission and act on its behalf and by its direction to make and enter into contracts and agreements with other departments, agencies, boards and commissions of state government as the commission may consider necessary, expedient or incidental to the performance of its duties under this chapter.
Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 5; 1975, ch. 286, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-405; Acts 1981, ch. 364, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-2-107 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Section 10-2-107
Application for certificates - Form - Fee
Status: in_force

(a) The applications for library certificates under this chapter shall be made to the commissioner of education in such manner and form as the state board of education may specify. (b) The fee specified by the state board of education shall accompany each application and shall be deposited with the state treasurer to the credit of the department of education. Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-208.
(a) The applications for library certificates under this chapter shall be made to the commissioner of education in such manner and form as the state board of education may specify.
(b) The fee specified by the state board of education shall accompany each application and shall be deposited with the state treasurer to the credit of the department of education.
Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.8; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-208.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-412 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-412
Destruction of public records authorized - Terminated mortgages, deeds of trust, chattel mortgages
Status: in_force

The county records commission has the right to authorize the destruction of any and all public records as defined in § 10-7-403 pertaining to all mortgages and deeds of trust on personal property and chattel mortgages, the terms of which have expired or the conditions of which have been complied with in their entirety; provided, that no such document or record of the county register's office shall be destroyed without the consent of the county register; and provided further, that no such mortgages and deeds of trust on personal property and chattel mortgages shall be destroyed without a majority vote of the county records commission. Acts 1963, ch. 304, § 1; 1967, ch. 105, § 1; 1977, ch. 486, § 3; T.C.A., § 15-512.
The county records commission has the right to authorize the destruction of any and all public records as defined in § 10-7-403 pertaining to all mortgages and deeds of trust on personal property and chattel mortgages, the terms of which have expired or the conditions of which have been complied with in their entirety; provided, that no such document or record of the county register's office shall be destroyed without the consent of the county register; and provided further, that no such mortgages and deeds of trust on personal property and chattel mortgages shall be destroyed without a majority vote of the county records commission.
Acts 1963, ch. 304, § 1; 1967, ch. 105, § 1; 1977, ch. 486, § 3; T.C.A., § 15-512.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-607 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-607
Proportionate representation of minority and nonminority groups on appointed bodies
Status: in_force

(a) It is the intent of the general assembly to recognize the importance of balance in the appointment of minority and non-minority persons to membership on statutorily created decision-making and regulatory boards, commissions, councils, and committees, and to promote that balance through this section. Furthermore, the general assembly recognizes that statutorily created decision-making and regulatory boards, commissions, councils, and committees play a vital role in shaping public policy for Tennessee, and the selection of well-qualified candidates is the paramount obligation of the appointing authority. (b) In appointing members to any statutorily created decision-making or regulatory board, commission, council, or committee of the state, the appointing authority should make a conscientious effort to select, from among the most qualified persons, those persons whose appointment would ensure that the membership of the board, commission, council, or committee accurately reflects the proportion that each group of minority persons represents in the population of the state as a whole, or, in the case of a local board, commission, council, or committee, in the population of the area represented by the board, commission, council, or committee, as determined pursuant to the most recent federal decennial census, unless the law regulating such appointment requires otherwise, or persons of the under-represented minority group cannot be recruited. If the size of the board, commission, council, or committee precludes an accurate representation of all minority groups, appointments should be made which conform to the requirements of this section insofar as possible. If there are multiple appointing authorities for the board, commission, council, or committee, they shall consult with each other to assure compliance with this section. (c) Each appointing authority described in subsection (c) shall submit a report to the secretary of state annually by December 1, which discloses the number of appointments made during the preceding year from each minority group and the number of non-minority appointments made, expressed both in numerical terms and as a percentage of the total membership of the board, commission, council, or committee. A copy of the report shall be submitted to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the speaker of the senate. In addition, each appointing authority shall designate a person responsible for retaining all applications for appointment who shall ensure that information describing each applicant's race, ethnicity, gender, and qualifications is available for public inspection during reasonable hours. Nothing in this section requires disclosure of an applicant's identity or of any other information made confidential by law. (d) This section applies to appointments and reappointments made after July 1, 1997. It does not prohibit a member of a decision-making or regulatory board, commission, council, or committee from completing a term being served as such member when this section takes effect. A person appointed to a decision-making or regulatory board, commission, council, or committee before July 1, 1997, may not be removed from office solely for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section. Acts 1997, ch. 328, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-7-611 .
(a) It is the intent of the general assembly to recognize the importance of balance in the appointment of minority and non-minority persons to membership on statutorily created decision-making and regulatory boards, commissions, councils, and committees, and to promote that balance through this section. Furthermore, the general assembly recognizes that statutorily created decision-making and regulatory boards, commissions, councils, and committees play a vital role in shaping public policy for Tennessee, and the selection of well-qualified candidates is the paramount obligation of the appointing authority.
(b) In appointing members to any statutorily created decision-making or regulatory board, commission, council, or committee of the state, the appointing authority should make a conscientious effort to select, from among the most qualified persons, those persons whose appointment would ensure that the membership of the board, commission, council, or committee accurately reflects the proportion that each group of minority persons represents in the population of the state as a whole, or, in the case of a local board, commission, council, or committee, in the population of the area represented by the board, commission, council, or committee, as determined pursuant to the most recent federal decennial census, unless the law regulating such appointment requires otherwise, or persons of the under-represented minority group cannot be recruited. If the size of the board, commission, council, or committee precludes an accurate representation of all minority groups, appointments should be made which conform to the requirements of this section insofar as possible. If there are multiple appointing authorities for the board, commission, council, or committee, they shall consult with each other to assure compliance with this section.
(c) Each appointing authority described in subsection (c) shall submit a report to the secretary of state annually by December 1, which discloses the number of appointments made during the preceding year from each minority group and the number of non-minority appointments made, expressed both in numerical terms and as a percentage of the total membership of the board, commission, council, or committee. A copy of the report shall be submitted to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the speaker of the senate. In addition, each appointing authority shall designate a person responsible for retaining all applications for appointment who shall ensure that information describing each applicant's race, ethnicity, gender, and qualifications is available for public inspection during reasonable hours. Nothing in this section requires disclosure of an applicant's identity or of any other information made confidential by law.
(d) This section applies to appointments and reappointments made after July 1, 1997. It does not prohibit a member of a decision-making or regulatory board, commission, council, or committee from completing a term being served as such member when this section takes effect. A person appointed to a decision-making or regulatory board, commission, council, or committee before July 1, 1997, may not be removed from office solely for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section.
Acts 1997, ch. 328, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-7-611 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-516 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-516
Information relating to security systems
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any information relating to security systems for any property including, but not limited to, all records pertaining to licensure or registration by owners of such systems, information, photos, presentations, schematics, surveys, or any other information related to such security systems held or kept by any governmental entity, shall be treated as confidential and shall not be open for public inspection by members of the public. Acts 2011, ch. 168, § 1.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any information relating to security systems for any property including, but not limited to, all records pertaining to licensure or registration by owners of such systems, information, photos, presentations, schematics, surveys, or any other information related to such security systems held or kept by any governmental entity, shall be treated as confidential and shall not be open for public inspection by members of the public.
Acts 2011, ch. 168, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-2-102 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Section 10-2-102
Standards, rules and practices for issuance adopted by board of education
Status: in_force

The state board of education shall set up standards and shall adopt rules and practices, by which these librarians' certificates are to be issued. Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.2; Acts 1971, ch. 35, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-202.
The state board of education shall set up standards and shall adopt rules and practices, by which these librarians' certificates are to be issued.
Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.2; Acts 1971, ch. 35, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-202.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-601 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-601
Short title
Status: in_force

Sections 10-7-601 - 10-7-606 shall be known and may be cited as the "Open Appointments Act." Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 2.
Sections 10-7-601 - 10-7-606 shall be known and may be cited as the "Open Appointments Act."
Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-5-104 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-5-104
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 249, s 5, eff. 7/1/2022. Repealed by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126, s 12, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1955, ch. 88, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-604; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 16; 1999, ch. 205, § 3.
Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 249, s 5, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126, s 12, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1955, ch. 88, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-604; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 16; 1999, ch. 205, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-603 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-603
Data provided secretary
Status: in_force

The chair of an existing agency, or the appointing authority for the members of a newly created agency, shall provide the secretary of state, on forms prepared and distributed by the secretary of state, with the following data pertaining to that agency: (1) The name of the agency, its mailing address, and telephone number; (2) The legal authority for the creation of the agency and the name of the person appointing agency members; (3) The powers and duties of the agency; (4) The number of authorized members, together with any prescribed restrictions on eligibility, such as employment experience or geographical representation; (5) The dates of commencement and expiration of the membership terms and the expiration date of the agency, if any; (6) The compensation of members, and appropriations or other funds available to the agency; (7) The regular meeting schedule, if any, and approximate number of hours per month of meetings or other activities required of members; (8) The roster of current members, including mailing addresses and telephone numbers; and (9) A breakdown of the membership showing distribution by county and legislative district and, only if the member has voluntarily supplied the information, the sex and race of the members. Such breakdown shall not include such information on ex officio and popularly elected members. Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 4; 1993, ch. 162, § 2.
The chair of an existing agency, or the appointing authority for the members of a newly created agency, shall provide the secretary of state, on forms prepared and distributed by the secretary of state, with the following data pertaining to that agency:
(1) The name of the agency, its mailing address, and telephone number;
(2) The legal authority for the creation of the agency and the name of the person appointing agency members;
(3) The powers and duties of the agency;
(4) The number of authorized members, together with any prescribed restrictions on eligibility, such as employment experience or geographical representation;
(5) The dates of commencement and expiration of the membership terms and the expiration date of the agency, if any;
(6) The compensation of members, and appropriations or other funds available to the agency;
(7) The regular meeting schedule, if any, and approximate number of hours per month of meetings or other activities required of members;
(8) The roster of current members, including mailing addresses and telephone numbers; and
(9) A breakdown of the membership showing distribution by county and legislative district and, only if the member has voluntarily supplied the information, the sex and race of the members. Such breakdown shall not include such information on ex officio and popularly elected members.
Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 4; 1993, ch. 162, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-104 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-104
Functions of the secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives
Status: in_force

(a) The functions of the secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives, shall include the following: (1) Collecting, preserving, and providing public access to archival material and materials of historical, documentary, and reference value, and literary works or printed matter that may be considered by the division of special interest to the citizenship of this state; (2) The distribution and exchange of publications of the state that may become available from time to time; (3) The collection and distribution of reference material to state officials and employees and public agencies that may be entitled to the reference material; (4) The encouragement of library development throughout the state by means of advice, guidance, and library extension services, in the course of which the division is empowered to enter into local, regional, or interstate contracts with competent agencies in the furtherance of library services. The contracts are subject to the prior approval by the secretary of state; and (5) Other functions that may be designated and authorized from time to time or that may properly belong to the administration of an up-to-date library and archives for the state. (b) The enumeration of the specific items in subsection (a) shall not be deemed to exclude any other activities that the division may think proper to be handled by it and by the state librarian and archivist. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1951, ch. 197, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, §§ 2278.1, 2278.2); 1959, ch. 9, § 12; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(47); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-102; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 2; 1984, ch. 851, § 1; 2008, ch. 631, § 4.
(a) The functions of the secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives, shall include the following: (1) Collecting, preserving, and providing public access to archival material and materials of historical, documentary, and reference value, and literary works or printed matter that may be considered by the division of special interest to the citizenship of this state; (2) The distribution and exchange of publications of the state that may become available from time to time; (3) The collection and distribution of reference material to state officials and employees and public agencies that may be entitled to the reference material; (4) The encouragement of library development throughout the state by means of advice, guidance, and library extension services, in the course of which the division is empowered to enter into local, regional, or interstate contracts with competent agencies in the furtherance of library services. The contracts are subject to the prior approval by the secretary of state; and (5) Other functions that may be designated and authorized from time to time or that may properly belong to the administration of an up-to-date library and archives for the state.
(1) Collecting, preserving, and providing public access to archival material and materials of historical, documentary, and reference value, and literary works or printed matter that may be considered by the division of special interest to the citizenship of this state;
(2) The distribution and exchange of publications of the state that may become available from time to time;
(3) The collection and distribution of reference material to state officials and employees and public agencies that may be entitled to the reference material;
(4) The encouragement of library development throughout the state by means of advice, guidance, and library extension services, in the course of which the division is empowered to enter into local, regional, or interstate contracts with competent agencies in the furtherance of library services. The contracts are subject to the prior approval by the secretary of state; and
(5) Other functions that may be designated and authorized from time to time or that may properly belong to the administration of an up-to-date library and archives for the state.
(b) The enumeration of the specific items in subsection (a) shall not be deemed to exclude any other activities that the division may think proper to be handled by it and by the state librarian and archivist.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1951, ch. 197, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, §§ 2278.1, 2278.2); 1959, ch. 9, § 12; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(47); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-102; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 2; 1984, ch. 851, § 1; 2008, ch. 631, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-414 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-414
Transfer of records to institutions or to state library and archives to be held for historical purposes - Funds for transfer and maintenance of records
Status: in_force

(a) The county public records commission, after authorizing destruction of any public records and after examination of these records by the state librarian and archivist or the state librarian and archivist's representative in accordance with § 10-7-413 , may authorize, by majority vote, to place any document or record which would otherwise be destroyed in the custody of a local or regional public library, a local, regional, or state college library, or the county or regional historical society, to be held for historical purposes. (b) After custody of any document or record is given to any designated institution, the county public records commission, upon majority vote, may transfer custody of any document or record to another designated institution after giving one (1) month's notice to the institution originally designated. Further, upon request of the state librarian and archivist, the county public records commission may cause the transfer of any of the documents or records from a designated institution to the state library and archives. (c) The county public records commission is authorized to expend funds appropriated by the governing body of the county for the purpose of transferring these documents and records, and may also expend funds so appropriated for maintenance of these documents and records at any of the designated institutions. Acts 1977, ch. 486, § 4; T.C.A., § 15-514.
(a) The county public records commission, after authorizing destruction of any public records and after examination of these records by the state librarian and archivist or the state librarian and archivist's representative in accordance with § 10-7-413 , may authorize, by majority vote, to place any document or record which would otherwise be destroyed in the custody of a local or regional public library, a local, regional, or state college library, or the county or regional historical society, to be held for historical purposes.
(b) After custody of any document or record is given to any designated institution, the county public records commission, upon majority vote, may transfer custody of any document or record to another designated institution after giving one (1) month's notice to the institution originally designated. Further, upon request of the state librarian and archivist, the county public records commission may cause the transfer of any of the documents or records from a designated institution to the state library and archives.
(c) The county public records commission is authorized to expend funds appropriated by the governing body of the county for the purpose of transferring these documents and records, and may also expend funds so appropriated for maintenance of these documents and records at any of the designated institutions.
Acts 1977, ch. 486, § 4; T.C.A., § 15-514.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-509 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-509
Disposition of records
Status: in_force

(a) The disposition of all state records shall occur only through the process of an approved records disposition authorization. (b) Records authorized for destruction shall be disposed of according to the records disposition authorization and shall not be given to any unauthorized person, transferred to another agency, political subdivision, or private or semiprivate institution. Acts 1978, ch. 544, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-310.
(a) The disposition of all state records shall occur only through the process of an approved records disposition authorization.
(b) Records authorized for destruction shall be disposed of according to the records disposition authorization and shall not be given to any unauthorized person, transferred to another agency, political subdivision, or private or semiprivate institution.
Acts 1978, ch. 544, § 2; T.C.A., § 15-310.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-408 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-408
Appropriation of funds - Filing fees
Status: in_force

(a) The county legislative body of any county which creates a county records commission has the power to appropriate such funds as may be required for the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter including, but not limited to, the purchase or leasing of equipment, the equipping of an office and the payment of the expenses thereof, the furnishing of secretaries and clerical help and the employment of expert advice and assistance. (b) (1) In any county, if the county legislative body creates a county records commission, then the county legislative body is authorized to: (A) Appropriate such funds as may be required for carrying out of the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the purchase or leasing of equipment, the equipping of an office and the payment of the expenses of the office, the furnishing of secretaries and clerical help, and the employment of expert advice and assistance; (B) Establish and collect, through all entities creating public records, as defined in § 10-7-403(1) and (3) , except for the office of the county register, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per each record filed by the entities creating the public records; and (C) Establish and collect, through the clerks of court, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per public record, as defined in § 10-7-403(2) , filed with the clerks of court for the purpose of initiating a legal proceeding. (2) Funds collected through these fees must be designated exclusively for duplicating, storing, and maintaining any records required by law to be permanently kept. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 7; 1968, ch. 507, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 15-508; Acts 2005, ch. 372, § 1; 2006, ch. 651, § 1; 2009, ch. 520, §§ 1, 2; 2010, ch. 1101, § 1.
(a) The county legislative body of any county which creates a county records commission has the power to appropriate such funds as may be required for the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter including, but not limited to, the purchase or leasing of equipment, the equipping of an office and the payment of the expenses thereof, the furnishing of secretaries and clerical help and the employment of expert advice and assistance.
(b) (1) In any county, if the county legislative body creates a county records commission, then the county legislative body is authorized to: (A) Appropriate such funds as may be required for carrying out of the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the purchase or leasing of equipment, the equipping of an office and the payment of the expenses of the office, the furnishing of secretaries and clerical help, and the employment of expert advice and assistance; (B) Establish and collect, through all entities creating public records, as defined in § 10-7-403(1) and (3) , except for the office of the county register, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per each record filed by the entities creating the public records; and (C) Establish and collect, through the clerks of court, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per public record, as defined in § 10-7-403(2) , filed with the clerks of court for the purpose of initiating a legal proceeding. (2) Funds collected through these fees must be designated exclusively for duplicating, storing, and maintaining any records required by law to be permanently kept.
(1) In any county, if the county legislative body creates a county records commission, then the county legislative body is authorized to: (A) Appropriate such funds as may be required for carrying out of the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the purchase or leasing of equipment, the equipping of an office and the payment of the expenses of the office, the furnishing of secretaries and clerical help, and the employment of expert advice and assistance; (B) Establish and collect, through all entities creating public records, as defined in § 10-7-403(1) and (3) , except for the office of the county register, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per each record filed by the entities creating the public records; and (C) Establish and collect, through the clerks of court, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per public record, as defined in § 10-7-403(2) , filed with the clerks of court for the purpose of initiating a legal proceeding.
(A) Appropriate such funds as may be required for carrying out of the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the purchase or leasing of equipment, the equipping of an office and the payment of the expenses of the office, the furnishing of secretaries and clerical help, and the employment of expert advice and assistance;
(B) Establish and collect, through all entities creating public records, as defined in § 10-7-403(1) and (3) , except for the office of the county register, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per each record filed by the entities creating the public records; and
(C) Establish and collect, through the clerks of court, an archives and record management fee not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per public record, as defined in § 10-7-403(2) , filed with the clerks of court for the purpose of initiating a legal proceeding.
(2) Funds collected through these fees must be designated exclusively for duplicating, storing, and maintaining any records required by law to be permanently kept.
Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 7; 1968, ch. 507, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 15-508; Acts 2005, ch. 372, § 1; 2006, ch. 651, § 1; 2009, ch. 520, §§ 1, 2; 2010, ch. 1101, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-502 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-502
Photographic copy deemed original record
Status: in_force

(a) Any photograph, microphotograph or photographic film of any state, county, or municipal public record is deemed to be an original record for all purposes, including introduction into evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. (b) A transcript, exemplification, or certified copy thereof shall, for all purposes recited therein, be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification or certified copy of the original. Acts 1947, ch. 26, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 255.93 (Williams, § 1034.82); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-303; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 6.
(a) Any photograph, microphotograph or photographic film of any state, county, or municipal public record is deemed to be an original record for all purposes, including introduction into evidence in all courts or administrative agencies.
(b) A transcript, exemplification, or certified copy thereof shall, for all purposes recited therein, be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification or certified copy of the original.
Acts 1947, ch. 26, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 255.93 (Williams, § 1034.82); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-303; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-304 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-304
Records officer, systems or records analyst
Status: in_force

The head of each department, commission, board or agency shall designate a records officer, systems analyst, or records analyst, etc., who shall be an employee at the administrative level and who shall be instructed to cooperate with the staff of the division of records management of the department of state and the public records commission in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. It is the duty of the records officer to appear before the public records commission for the purpose of presenting on behalf of such record officer's department, commission, board or agency requests for disposition of records. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207,s 5, eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 4; T.C.A., § 15-404.
The head of each department, commission, board or agency shall designate a records officer, systems analyst, or records analyst, etc., who shall be an employee at the administrative level and who shall be instructed to cooperate with the staff of the division of records management of the department of state and the public records commission in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. It is the duty of the records officer to appear before the public records commission for the purpose of presenting on behalf of such record officer's department, commission, board or agency requests for disposition of records.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207,s 5, eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1974, ch. 739, § 4; T.C.A., § 15-404.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-113 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-113
Special deputies - Appointment by register necessitated
Status: in_force

The register of such county is authorized to appoint as many deputies as are necessary to ensure the completion of such transcripts at the earliest time practicable. Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 4; Shan., § 3790; Code 1932, § 7692; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-113.
The register of such county is authorized to appoint as many deputies as are necessary to ensure the completion of such transcripts at the earliest time practicable.
Acts 1877, ch. 83, § 4; Shan., § 3790; Code 1932, § 7692; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-517 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-517
Referral of certain legislation creating exception to open records requirement to government operations committee
Status: in_force

(a) Any legislation of the house of representatives that creates an exception to the open records requirement of § 10-7-503 deeming records of public entities to be open for inspection by the public must be referred to the government operations committee according to the rules of the house of representatives. (b) After review under subsection (a), the government operations committee of the house of representatives shall give the legislation a positive, neutral, or negative recommendation. (c) The government operations committee of the house of representatives, unless it is designated as the appropriate standing committee, shall not delay or prevent consideration of the legislation by the house of representatives by withholding the committee's recommendation. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 221,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
(a) Any legislation of the house of representatives that creates an exception to the open records requirement of § 10-7-503 deeming records of public entities to be open for inspection by the public must be referred to the government operations committee according to the rules of the house of representatives.
(b) After review under subsection (a), the government operations committee of the house of representatives shall give the legislation a positive, neutral, or negative recommendation.
(c) The government operations committee of the house of representatives, unless it is designated as the appropriate standing committee, shall not delay or prevent consideration of the legislation by the house of representatives by withholding the committee's recommendation.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 221,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-305 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-305
Design and implementation
Status: in_force

The design and implementation of the Tennessee Electronic Library shall include the following considerations: (1) Close cooperation among all participating libraries and agencies; (2) Use of related federal, state, local, and private sector expertise and funding as appropriate; (3) A focus on participating library circumstances, opportunities, and solutions; (4) Minimizing duplication of effort and maximizing cost-savings through centralized and coordinated support and purchasing; (5) Emphasis on both statewide benefit as well as local benefit; and (6) Specific goals for the effective and efficient use of technology in public libraries and school libraries to improve the services they provide to the public and to students. Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-405.
The design and implementation of the Tennessee Electronic Library shall include the following considerations:
(1) Close cooperation among all participating libraries and agencies;
(2) Use of related federal, state, local, and private sector expertise and funding as appropriate;
(3) A focus on participating library circumstances, opportunities, and solutions;
(4) Minimizing duplication of effort and maximizing cost-savings through centralized and coordinated support and purchasing;
(5) Emphasis on both statewide benefit as well as local benefit; and
(6) Specific goals for the effective and efficient use of technology in public libraries and school libraries to improve the services they provide to the public and to students.
Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-701 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-701
Public records - Temporary records
Status: in_force

All documents, papers, records, books of account, and minutes of the governing body of any municipal corporation, or of any office or department of any municipal corporation, within the definition of "permanent records," "essential records," and/or "records of archival value," as defined in § 10-7-301 , constitute "public records" of the municipal corporation. All documents, papers, or records of any municipal corporation or of any office or department of the municipal corporation that constitute "temporary records" and/or "working papers" within the definition set forth in § 10-7-301(13) and (14) constitute "public records" of the municipality, except that "temporary records" may be scheduled for disposal as authorized in this part. Acts 1999, ch. 167, § 1.
All documents, papers, records, books of account, and minutes of the governing body of any municipal corporation, or of any office or department of any municipal corporation, within the definition of "permanent records," "essential records," and/or "records of archival value," as defined in § 10-7-301 , constitute "public records" of the municipal corporation. All documents, papers, or records of any municipal corporation or of any office or department of the municipal corporation that constitute "temporary records" and/or "working papers" within the definition set forth in § 10-7-301(13) and (14) constitute "public records" of the municipality, except that "temporary records" may be scheduled for disposal as authorized in this part.
Acts 1999, ch. 167, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-107 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-107
Personnel - Funds for training and education
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state has the authority to create positions necessary to effectively carry on library programs. The secretary of state is authorized to make appointments or dismissals to positions deemed necessary to conduct the affairs of the library program. (b) The secretary of state is authorized to expend funds for the special training and formal education of library personnel; provided, that the personnel shall agree to work in the state library system for at least two (2) years after the completion of the training and education. Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.5); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; Acts 1965, ch. 223, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-107; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 7; 1984, ch. 728, § 3; 2008, ch. 631, § 7.
(a) The secretary of state has the authority to create positions necessary to effectively carry on library programs. The secretary of state is authorized to make appointments or dismissals to positions deemed necessary to conduct the affairs of the library program.
(b) The secretary of state is authorized to expend funds for the special training and formal education of library personnel; provided, that the personnel shall agree to work in the state library system for at least two (2) years after the completion of the training and education.
Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.5); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; Acts 1965, ch. 223, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-107; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 7; 1984, ch. 728, § 3; 2008, ch. 631, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-109 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-109
Administering funds and materials
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state may accept and administer funds or materials made available for library, archival, and historical purposes from public or private sources either by grant, bequest, donation, or otherwise, and this may include any available grants from the federal government or cooperation with the federal government in the advancement of library activities when agreements to that effect are approved. (b) The secretary of state, acting through the state librarian and archivist and the division of public libraries and archives, may accept donations and bequests on behalf of the state library system. (c) The secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives, may lease real estate as may be necessary for library purposes. Any lease must be between the state of Tennessee and the lessor and must contain a clause that its continuance is subject to necessary allotments from the secretary of state and the availability of other funds. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 249, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 4 (Williams, § 2278.8); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-111; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 9; 1984, ch. 728, § 4; 2008 , ch. 631, § 9.
(a) The secretary of state may accept and administer funds or materials made available for library, archival, and historical purposes from public or private sources either by grant, bequest, donation, or otherwise, and this may include any available grants from the federal government or cooperation with the federal government in the advancement of library activities when agreements to that effect are approved.
(b) The secretary of state, acting through the state librarian and archivist and the division of public libraries and archives, may accept donations and bequests on behalf of the state library system.
(c) The secretary of state, acting through the division of public libraries and archives, may lease real estate as may be necessary for library purposes. Any lease must be between the state of Tennessee and the lessor and must contain a clause that its continuance is subject to necessary allotments from the secretary of state and the availability of other funds.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 249, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 4 (Williams, § 2278.8); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-111; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 9; 1984, ch. 728, § 4; 2008 , ch. 631, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-8-102 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 8 / Section 10-8-102
Disclosure prohibited - Exceptions
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), no employee of a library shall disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services or as having otherwise used such library. Such library records shall be considered an exception to § 10-7-503 . (b) Library records may be disclosed under the following circumstances: (1) Upon the written consent of the library user; (2) Pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or (3) When used to seek reimbursement for or the return of lost, stolen, misplaced or otherwise overdue library materials. Acts 1988, ch. 889, § 1.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), no employee of a library shall disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services or as having otherwise used such library. Such library records shall be considered an exception to § 10-7-503 .
(b) Library records may be disclosed under the following circumstances: (1) Upon the written consent of the library user; (2) Pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or (3) When used to seek reimbursement for or the return of lost, stolen, misplaced or otherwise overdue library materials.
(1) Upon the written consent of the library user;
(2) Pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(3) When used to seek reimbursement for or the return of lost, stolen, misplaced or otherwise overdue library materials.
Acts 1988, ch. 889, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-108 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-108
Penalties for loss of or injury to library property
Status: in_force

The library board has the power to make and enforce rules providing penalties for loss of or injury to library property. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a library board from charging library users a reasonable fine for late-returned library materials and charging for special services including, but not limited to, the loan of equipment and the use of photocopiers. Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 8; T.C.A., § 10-308; Acts 1995, ch. 438, § 1.
The library board has the power to make and enforce rules providing penalties for loss of or injury to library property. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a library board from charging library users a reasonable fine for late-returned library materials and charging for special services including, but not limited to, the loan of equipment and the use of photocopiers.
Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 8; T.C.A., § 10-308; Acts 1995, ch. 438, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-8-101 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 8 / Section 10-8-101
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Library" means: (A) A library that is open to the public and established or operated by: (i) The state, a county, city, town, school district or any other political subdivision of the state; (ii) A combination of governmental units or authorities; (iii) A university or community college; or (B) Any private library that is open to the public; and (2) "Library record" means a document, record, or other method of storing information retained by a library that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific information or materials from such library. "Library record" does not include nonidentifying material that may be retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the circulation of library materials in general. Acts 1988, ch. 889, § 1.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Library" means: (A) A library that is open to the public and established or operated by: (i) The state, a county, city, town, school district or any other political subdivision of the state; (ii) A combination of governmental units or authorities; (iii) A university or community college; or (B) Any private library that is open to the public; and
(A) A library that is open to the public and established or operated by: (i) The state, a county, city, town, school district or any other political subdivision of the state; (ii) A combination of governmental units or authorities; (iii) A university or community college; or
(i) The state, a county, city, town, school district or any other political subdivision of the state;
(ii) A combination of governmental units or authorities;
(iii) A university or community college; or
(B) Any private library that is open to the public; and
(2) "Library record" means a document, record, or other method of storing information retained by a library that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific information or materials from such library. "Library record" does not include nonidentifying material that may be retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the circulation of library materials in general.
Acts 1988, ch. 889, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-604 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-604
Updating and publishing data
Status: in_force

The secretary of state shall provide for annual updating of the required data and shall annually arrange for the publication of the compiled data from all agencies on or about November 15 of each year. Copies of the compilation shall be delivered to the governor and the general assembly. Copies of the compilation shall be made available by the secretary to any interested person at cost, and copies shall be available for viewing by interested persons. Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 5.
The secretary of state shall provide for annual updating of the required data and shall annually arrange for the publication of the compiled data from all agencies on or about November 15 of each year. Copies of the compilation shall be delivered to the governor and the general assembly. Copies of the compilation shall be made available by the secretary to any interested person at cost, and copies shall be available for viewing by interested persons.
Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-605 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-605
Vacancies
Status: in_force

The chair of an existing agency shall notify the secretary of a vacancy scheduled to occur in the agency as a result of the expiration of membership terms, at least forty-five (45) days before the vacancy occurs. The chair of an existing agency shall give written notification to the secretary of each vacancy occurring as a result of newly created agency positions and of every other vacancy occurring for any reason other than the expiration of membership terms as soon as possible upon learning of the vacancy and in any case within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. The appointing authority for newly created agencies shall give written notification to the secretary of all vacancies in the new agency within fifteen (15) days after the creation of the agency. Monthly, the secretary shall publish a list of all vacancies of which the secretary has been so notified. Notice of a vacancy shall be published until the appointing authority notifies the secretary that the vacancy has been filled. Such notice shall be given within fifteen (15) days of the appointment. One (1) copy of the listing shall be made available at the office of the secretary to any interested person. The secretary shall distribute by mail copies of the listings to requesting persons. The secretary may charge a duplication fee to cover the actual cost of providing such listings. Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 6; 1993, ch. 162, § 3.
The chair of an existing agency shall notify the secretary of a vacancy scheduled to occur in the agency as a result of the expiration of membership terms, at least forty-five (45) days before the vacancy occurs. The chair of an existing agency shall give written notification to the secretary of each vacancy occurring as a result of newly created agency positions and of every other vacancy occurring for any reason other than the expiration of membership terms as soon as possible upon learning of the vacancy and in any case within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. The appointing authority for newly created agencies shall give written notification to the secretary of all vacancies in the new agency within fifteen (15) days after the creation of the agency. Monthly, the secretary shall publish a list of all vacancies of which the secretary has been so notified. Notice of a vacancy shall be published until the appointing authority notifies the secretary that the vacancy has been filled. Such notice shall be given within fifteen (15) days of the appointment. One (1) copy of the listing shall be made available at the office of the secretary to any interested person. The secretary shall distribute by mail copies of the listings to requesting persons. The secretary may charge a duplication fee to cover the actual cost of providing such listings.
Acts 1992, ch. 766, § 6; 1993, ch. 162, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-5-206 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-5-206
"Full-time employee of a regional library board" defined
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this part, a full-time employee of a regional library board is one who has an annual schedule which includes at least one thousand six hundred (1,600) hours of employment. Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 12.
For the purposes of this part, a full-time employee of a regional library board is one who has an annual schedule which includes at least one thousand six hundred (1,600) hours of employment.
Acts 1999, ch. 205, § 12.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-2-103 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Section 10-2-103
Librarians in public libraries certified by board of education
Status: in_force

The state board of education shall pass upon the qualifications of any person applying for the position of librarian or professional library assistant in any library supported wholly or in part from public funds or in any state-supported library agency. Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-204.
The state board of education shall pass upon the qualifications of any person applying for the position of librarian or professional library assistant in any library supported wholly or in part from public funds or in any state-supported library agency.
Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-204.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-109 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-109
Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 7, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1961, ch. 222, § 1; T.C.A., § 10-309.
Repealed by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 7, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1961, ch. 222, § 1; T.C.A., § 10-309.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-402 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-402
Organization of commission - Compensation - Meetings
Status: in_force

The county records commission shall elect a chair and a secretary and shall keep and preserve minutes of all its proceedings and transactions. Members of the commission shall receive no compensation, except that any member who does not receive a fixed annual salary from the state or the county may be paid a per diem of up to one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each day of actual meeting. Members may be reimbursed for actual necessary expenses incurred in attendance upon their duties. The commission shall meet not less than twice annually. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 230, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 9; T.C.A., § 15-502.
The county records commission shall elect a chair and a secretary and shall keep and preserve minutes of all its proceedings and transactions. Members of the commission shall receive no compensation, except that any member who does not receive a fixed annual salary from the state or the county may be paid a per diem of up to one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each day of actual meeting. Members may be reimbursed for actual necessary expenses incurred in attendance upon their duties. The commission shall meet not less than twice annually.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 230, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023.
Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 9; T.C.A., § 15-502.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-105 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-105
Borrowing money to acquire library buildings and equipment
Status: in_force

A county legislative body and/or city governing body has power to borrow money for the purchase of realty and the erection or purchase of suitable buildings for the library and its branches, and for their equipment. The title to such property may be vested in trust in the library board and its successors, which shall be responsible for disbursing bond proceeds as provided in § 10-3-106 . Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-305.
A county legislative body and/or city governing body has power to borrow money for the purchase of realty and the erection or purchase of suitable buildings for the library and its branches, and for their equipment. The title to such property may be vested in trust in the library board and its successors, which shall be responsible for disbursing bond proceeds as provided in § 10-3-106 .
Acts 1963, ch. 370, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-305.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-2-105 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Section 10-2-105
Professional librarians - Certifications provided
Status: in_force

The state board of education shall provide for the certification of the following groups: (1) All professional librarians and professional library assistants who are serving in libraries subject to this chapter; and (2) Professional librarians and professional library assistants who are serving in libraries not designated above in § 10-2-103 , including librarians in other than publicly supported libraries. Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-206.
The state board of education shall provide for the certification of the following groups:
(1) All professional librarians and professional library assistants who are serving in libraries subject to this chapter; and
(2) Professional librarians and professional library assistants who are serving in libraries not designated above in § 10-2-103 , including librarians in other than publicly supported libraries.
Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-206.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-119 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-119
County legislative bodies authorized to have record books rebound
Status: in_force

Whenever any county legislative body of this state, on due examination as now required by law, shall ascertain that any of the books of record in the office of the register, county clerk, clerk and master, or circuit court clerk need to be rebound, in order to preserve and keep in proper condition for use such books, then the county legislative body of such a county may order and empower the chair of the court to take charge of such books of records, and execute a receipt for the same to the proper officer having custody of the books, and at once forward them to some good, competent, and reliable bookbinding firm or company in this state, and take a receipt from the firm or company for such books received by them, and require them to rebind the books and return them to such chair at as early a date as possible. Acts 1897, ch. 73, § 1; Shan., § 3793a1; Code 1932, § 7699; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-119.
Whenever any county legislative body of this state, on due examination as now required by law, shall ascertain that any of the books of record in the office of the register, county clerk, clerk and master, or circuit court clerk need to be rebound, in order to preserve and keep in proper condition for use such books, then the county legislative body of such a county may order and empower the chair of the court to take charge of such books of records, and execute a receipt for the same to the proper officer having custody of the books, and at once forward them to some good, competent, and reliable bookbinding firm or company in this state, and take a receipt from the firm or company for such books received by them, and require them to rebind the books and return them to such chair at as early a date as possible.
Acts 1897, ch. 73, § 1; Shan., § 3793a1; Code 1932, § 7699; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-119.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-111 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-111
Black history
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state, acting upon the recommendation of the state librarian and archivist, is hereby authorized to contract with the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Knoxville, for the appropriate deposit, display, and/or preservation at the center of such: (1) Archival material; (2) Historical, documentary, and reference materials; and (3) Literary works or printed matters; as may be mutually deemed by the secretary of state and by the center to be of special interest to the black citizens of Tennessee. (b) The terms of any such contract shall ensure that adequate steps are undertaken to protect and preserve all such items for the benefit of future Tennesseans. Acts 1983, ch. 245, § 1; 2008, ch. 631, § 11.
(a) The secretary of state, acting upon the recommendation of the state librarian and archivist, is hereby authorized to contract with the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Knoxville, for the appropriate deposit, display, and/or preservation at the center of such: (1) Archival material; (2) Historical, documentary, and reference materials; and (3) Literary works or printed matters; as may be mutually deemed by the secretary of state and by the center to be of special interest to the black citizens of Tennessee.
(1) Archival material;
(2) Historical, documentary, and reference materials; and
(3) Literary works or printed matters; as may be mutually deemed by the secretary of state and by the center to be of special interest to the black citizens of Tennessee.
as may be mutually deemed by the secretary of state and by the center to be of special interest to the black citizens of Tennessee.
(b) The terms of any such contract shall ensure that adequate steps are undertaken to protect and preserve all such items for the benefit of future Tennesseans.
Acts 1983, ch. 245, § 1; 2008, ch. 631, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-2-101 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Section 10-2-101
Librarian certificates issued by board of education
Status: in_force

The state board of education is authorized to issue certificates to librarians. Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-201.
The state board of education is authorized to issue certificates to librarians.
Acts 1937, ch. 239, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2305.1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-201.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-302 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-302
Four integrated components
Status: in_force

The Tennessee Electronic Library, in close cooperation with Tennessee's libraries and other organizations interested in and supportive of expanding and promoting superior library services, shall be composed of four (4) integrated components: (1) Subscriptions to commercial online products both through a free core database access package composed of products of general interest to all Tennesseans available to all libraries and other subscriptions of specific interest paid for by libraries participating in the Tennessee Electronic Library; (2) Organization and technical support for start-up and ongoing services; (3) Computing storage capacity; and (4) Training for Tennessee librarians and library users. Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-402.
The Tennessee Electronic Library, in close cooperation with Tennessee's libraries and other organizations interested in and supportive of expanding and promoting superior library services, shall be composed of four (4) integrated components:
(1) Subscriptions to commercial online products both through a free core database access package composed of products of general interest to all Tennesseans available to all libraries and other subscriptions of specific interest paid for by libraries participating in the Tennessee Electronic Library;
(2) Organization and technical support for start-up and ongoing services;
(3) Computing storage capacity; and
(4) Training for Tennessee librarians and library users.
Acts 1999, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. § 10-1-402.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-115 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-115
Original deposited in clerk's office
Status: in_force

The original records from which the transcript has been made shall be deposited in the clerk's office of the county. Code 1858, § 2095 (deriv. Acts 1805, ch. 62, § 5); Shan., § 3775; Code 1932, § 7694; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-115.
The original records from which the transcript has been made shall be deposited in the clerk's office of the county.
Code 1858, § 2095 (deriv. Acts 1805, ch. 62, § 5); Shan., § 3775; Code 1932, § 7694; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-115.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-105 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-105
Rebinding or copying books at expense of county
Status: in_force

It is the duty of all county registers to have the books of their offices copied when, in the judgment of the county legislative body, they are so worn or mutilated as to need rebinding or copying. The county legislative bodies shall make the necessary appropriations to defray the expenses of the same. Acts 1899, ch. 272, § 1; Shan., § 3787a1; mod. Code 1932, § 7684; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-105.
It is the duty of all county registers to have the books of their offices copied when, in the judgment of the county legislative body, they are so worn or mutilated as to need rebinding or copying. The county legislative bodies shall make the necessary appropriations to defray the expenses of the same.
Acts 1899, ch. 272, § 1; Shan., § 3787a1; mod. Code 1932, § 7684; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-105.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-110 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-110
People with disabilities
Status: in_force

The secretary of state is authorized to: (1) Cooperate with the division for the blind and physically handicapped in the library of congress in planning and conducting a program of bringing free reading materials and related services and other library services to people with disabilities, as defined by the library of congress, who are residents of the state; (2) Establish and implement eligibility and certification standards and rules and regulations for these services; (3) Produce and distribute, and contract with competent organizations and agencies for the production and distribution of reading materials, and related library services, in the conduct of this program; (4) Cooperate in making sound reproduction equipment and other reading equipment available to people with disabilities, as defined by the library of congress; and (5) Establish and maintain local or regional centers as the library of congress may designate for the loan of reading materials, reproducers and other library materials to eligible readers in the state; provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or supersede the rules and regulations of the library of congress in the loan of library materials and reading equipment for people with disabilities, as defined by the library of congress. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 543,Secs.s2, s3, s4 eff. 3/9/2018. Acts 1976, ch. 458, § 2; T.C.A., § 10-114; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 10; 2008, ch. 631, § 10.
The secretary of state is authorized to:
(1) Cooperate with the division for the blind and physically handicapped in the library of congress in planning and conducting a program of bringing free reading materials and related services and other library services to people with disabilities, as defined by the library of congress, who are residents of the state;
(2) Establish and implement eligibility and certification standards and rules and regulations for these services;
(3) Produce and distribute, and contract with competent organizations and agencies for the production and distribution of reading materials, and related library services, in the conduct of this program;
(4) Cooperate in making sound reproduction equipment and other reading equipment available to people with disabilities, as defined by the library of congress; and
(5) Establish and maintain local or regional centers as the library of congress may designate for the loan of reading materials, reproducers and other library materials to eligible readers in the state; provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or supersede the rules and regulations of the library of congress in the loan of library materials and reading equipment for people with disabilities, as defined by the library of congress.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 543,Secs.s2, s3, s4 eff. 3/9/2018.
Acts 1976, ch. 458, § 2; T.C.A., § 10-114; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 10; 2008, ch. 631, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-210 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-210
Violations of preceding section a misdemeanor
Status: in_force

For failure or refusal to carry out or comply with § 10-7-209 , such clerk commits a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1893, ch. 66, § 3; Shan., § 5857; Code 1932, § 10059; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-210; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
For failure or refusal to carry out or comply with § 10-7-209 , such clerk commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1893, ch. 66, § 3; Shan., § 5857; Code 1932, § 10059; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-210; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-1-202 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-1-202
Authority to employ special consultants
Status: in_force

Upon recommendation of the state librarian and archivist, the secretary of state, within the limitation of funds available, may engage the services of special consultants who are qualified in particular fields of library or archival administration to make special investigations, studies and reports looking to the proper development of methods and procedures by means of which the state library service may be strengthened, extended or made more efficient. Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.6); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-109; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 12; 1984, ch. 728, § 6; 2008, ch. 631, § 15.
Upon recommendation of the state librarian and archivist, the secretary of state, within the limitation of funds available, may engage the services of special consultants who are qualified in particular fields of library or archival administration to make special investigations, studies and reports looking to the proper development of methods and procedures by means of which the state library service may be strengthened, extended or made more efficient.
Acts 1951, ch. 197, § 2 (Williams, § 2278.6); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 10-109; Acts 1982, ch. 689, § 12; 1984, ch. 728, § 6; 2008, ch. 631, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-109 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-109
Copy of probate or acknowledgment made by clerk of court on demand
Status: in_force

Any person interested in having the probate or acknowledgment of an instrument registered may apply to the clerk of the court before which the probate was made, and, having first made oath that the original instrument is not in such person's possession, power, or control, demand and receive from such person a transcript of the probate or acknowledgment, duly certified by the clerk. Code 1858, § 2103 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 3; 1807, ch. 62); Shan., § 3783; Code 1932, § 7688; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-109.
Any person interested in having the probate or acknowledgment of an instrument registered may apply to the clerk of the court before which the probate was made, and, having first made oath that the original instrument is not in such person's possession, power, or control, demand and receive from such person a transcript of the probate or acknowledgment, duly certified by the clerk.
Code 1858, § 2103 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 3; 1807, ch. 62); Shan., § 3783; Code 1932, § 7688; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-109.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-107 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-107
Omission of probate or acknowledgment
Status: in_force

When the register as transcriber finds any instrument on the original books registered without the probate or acknowledgment, the register shall leave, in the transcript made by the register, sufficient room to record the probate or acknowledgment of the instrument. Code 1858, § 2101 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 1); Shan., § 3781; mod. Code 1932, § 7686; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-107.
When the register as transcriber finds any instrument on the original books registered without the probate or acknowledgment, the register shall leave, in the transcript made by the register, sufficient room to record the probate or acknowledgment of the instrument.
Code 1858, § 2101 (deriv. Acts 1806, ch. 40, § 1); Shan., § 3781; mod. Code 1932, § 7686; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 15-107.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-307 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-7-307
Title to and destruction of records transferred to state archives
Status: repealed

Title to any record transferred to the state archives is vested in the state library and archives. The state librarian and archivist may destroy originals of such records if such records have been microfilmed or converted to microform media of such quality which shall meet the minimum standards of the United States government. Acts 1978, ch. 544, § 4; T.C.A., § 15-407; Acts 1991, ch. 362, § 1.
Title to any record transferred to the state archives is vested in the state library and archives. The state librarian and archivist may destroy originals of such records if such records have been microfilmed or converted to microform media of such quality which shall meet the minimum standards of the United States government.
Acts 1978, ch. 544, § 4; T.C.A., § 15-407; Acts 1991, ch. 362, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-3-111 — TN Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-3-111
Financial report of operations
Status: in_force

Such library board shall furnish a report to the county or city legislative body, at its first meeting of each fiscal year, setting forth its capital and operational receipts and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 9, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1961, ch. 222, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-311.
Such library board shall furnish a report to the county or city legislative body, at its first meeting of each fiscal year, setting forth its capital and operational receipts and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 126,s 9, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1961, ch. 222, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A., § 10-311.