Tennessee Court Rules Against Law Attempting to Seize Power from Nashville

A Tennessee state court has permanently blocked a Republican attempt to reduce the size of Nashville’s Metro Council from 40 to 20 members. The court ruled that House Bill 48 violates Tennessee’s Home Rule Amendment and constitutes an unprecedented disenfranchisement of the voters of Metro Nashville. The Metro Council is the legislative authority of Nashville and Davidson County, and the third largest local council in the United States. Governor Bill Lee signed the controversial law in 2023, sparking public outcry and lawsuits. The decision to block the law is seen as a victory for Music City voters, who would have had their representation diminished by the Republican power grab. Last year, the court had temporarily blocked portions of the law, citing potential disruption of the election process and confusion for voters. Now, the court has made the decision to permanently block the law, maintaining the Metro Council at 40 members. This ruling is seen as a win for the diverse voices of Nashville and a setback for Republican efforts to reduce political power in the state.

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