We'll 'Volunteer' Some Information: Tennessee's Website is No. 1!  

Tennessee's General Assembly's website is honored as the best in the country 

PHILADELPHIA - The Tennessee General Assembly took home the award for the nation's top legislative website this week during the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2009 Legislative Summit in Philadelphia.

NCSL's Online Democracy Award is given each year to a legislature, legislative chamber or caucus whose website stands out for making democracy user-friendly.

“We are thrilled with the recognition that this award brings. This a special honor because of the type of award that it is, and coming from the organization presenting it," said Steve Kriegish, director of Office of Legislative Information Services." Our new website is a culmination of the efforts of many people-a team effort.”

The Tennessee website, www.capitol.tn.gov, stood out for its ease of navigation, depth of content and openness, and availability of information to the public. Key features of Tennessee's website that contributed to this year's award include: 

• Prominent educational resources;
• Well-organized information;
• A simple, fresh design;
• Integration of archived streaming video clips with agendas and bill information.

The Online Democracy Award is sponsored by two of NCSL's staff organizations-the National Association of Legislative Information Technology (NALIT) and the Legislative Information and Communications Staff (LINCS).  Previous winners of the NCSL Online Democracy award include the legislatures in Utah, Minnesota and Texas.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.