As the 2015 legislative session opens, citizens can access more information about the issues and proceedings through a redesigned and improved General Assembly website.  The redesign represents a substantial effort to make the website more usable, accessible and informative.

The new format supports all major mobile devices for streaming video, as the site will shrink, bend or move to adapt to the screen size.  This improvement provides desktop content to users with smaller screens such as iPhones, iPads and Android devices.

In addition, a new content sensitive search engine makes it easier for users to navigate the site.  Other improvements include a new web design feature which lets the general public set up an unlimited number of lists in the “my bills” application.  This allows users to keep up with the latest developments on issues of importance to them.   Action history flags highlight which chamber took action to make it easier to track bills through the legislative process.

The main page features the current schedule of meetings, giving citizens easy access to live video streaming of meetings.  The website also provides access to previous meetings which are archived on the site.

The General Assembly has received awards and national recognition for their website, including the Online Democracy Award and the Digital Governance Award.

In addition, Tennessee’s public broadcasting stations (PBS) will continue live and tape-delayed broadcasts of legislative meetings.  Citizens can check with their local public television station for the weekly schedule of legislative coverage.