Tennessee needs to streamline the way local governments protect Social Security numbers as part of public records. That’s according to a new report from the Comptroller’s Office of Research. It finds further reducing Social Security number use can safeguard against possible identity theft. The report suggests the legislature should appoint study committees to review government use and transmission of Social Security numbers and confidential records laws to determine the feasibility of further reductions. Additional records management assistance and training resources for local government officials are also recommended. The report also suggests additional oversight to ensure that state and local governments have adequate policies and procedures in place to protect confidential information.
