Vote On Controversial Bill No Longer Scheduled For July 6
(NASHVILLE) — House Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) stands in full support of his Republican colleagues as they have recently fought to defeat a controversial ordinance proposed by the Metro Council that would turn Nashville into a sanctuary city.
Dubbed the “Nashville Together” bill, Ordinance 739 would limit the city’s participation in carrying out federal immigration laws and also sever ties with immigration authorities, jeopardizing the safety of citizens in Nashville and across our state.
This week, the sanctuary city ordinance has faced strong opposition from House Republican Caucus members, as well as leadership — including House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville), Majority Leader Glen Casada (R-Thompson’s Station), and Chairman Williams.
Yesterday, Metro’s Director of Law, Jon Cooper, opined that Ordnance 739 is not enforceable because it violates the Metro Charter, as well as state and federal law. In light of Cooper’s opinion and amidst growing concerns within the Metro Nashville Police Department about the impact the proposal would have on the department’s ability to police and enforce immigration laws, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry advised the Metro Council late Tuesday morning to reconsider the contentious initiative.
Ordinance 739 was originally scheduled to be read for the third time and presented for a final vote at the upcoming Metro Council Meeting on July 6. However, the bill’s sponsors — Councilman Bob Mendes and Councilman Colby Sledge — informed their colleagues late Tuesday that they will not seek a council vote on the ordinance as originally planned next week.
Williams credits the work of the Republican supermajority in the House for these important developments in the debate over a very heated and complex issue.
“I am proud of our members for taking a stand against a potential issue that would jeopardize the safety of families in Nashville and across Tennessee, and I have joined them in voicing my strong opposition to this ordinance,” said Chairman Williams. “The men and women who protect and serve Nashville and our state perform heroic duties and put their lives on the line for us each and every day. Ordinance 739 would have created a major obstacle by hindering their ability to enforce the law. I am pleased that the bill’s sponsors have decided to rethink their decision to proceed with this legislation. Had they not, my fellow lawmakers and I were prepared to take action against it in the state legislature.”
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