Bills to make information confidential advances

USA Today NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Proposals that would make information on crime victims and government buildings confidential is advancing in the House. The measures unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. One proposal sponsored by Rep. Charles Curtiss, a Sparta Democrat, would make private certain personal information regarding a victim who receives money from the state's Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Such information would include residential addresses and Social Security numbers. Under the proposal sponsored by Rep. Eric Watson, a Cleveland Republican, information relating to the security of a government building would be confidential. However, an amendment was added to exempt the media in cases such as a crime occurring at the building. The companions to both proposals have been assigned to the Senate State and Local Government Committee.