(a) The secretary of state is authorized to accept donations from persons, political subdivisions, foundations, corporations, firms or any other business entity for the express purpose of publishing the Tennessee Blue Book. The secretary of state shall control all aspects of the publication and distribution of the book, including, but not limited to, complete editorial control, quantity published and distribution. No benefactor shall have authority to interfere with any aspect of development, publication, quantity published or distribution of the book.

(b) The secretary of state will determine the amount of money needed to publish the quantity desired and shall have the sole authority to select the benefactor or benefactors. The funds received shall be used for the publication and distribution of the book. Such funds shall not revert to the general fund but shall be carried forward to the next fiscal year and remain available to the secretary of state until expended for the publications and distribution of future editions. None of these funds shall be used for the payment of employees' salaries.

(c) Acknowledgement of the chosen benefactors shall be included in the preface of the book. An appropriate acknowledgement shall be given based on the generosity of the benefactor. Acknowledgement shall be in the form of a letter from the secretary of state acknowledging the gift in a separate listing in the preface of the book. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a benefactor shall have the first option of being chosen as the benefactor or benefactors of the next edition of the Tennessee Blue Book.

(d) The secretary of state shall maintain a list of all benefactors that shall include names, addresses and the amount of the benefactor's donation. Such a list shall be open and available to public inspection.