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Occupy Nashville Preparing for Eviction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal designed to evict Occupy Nashville protesters is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The legislation passed the House 68-21 Monday evening after lawmakers agreed to a change by the Senate, which approved the bill 20-10 last week.

The measure makes it a crime to camp on any state-owned land that’s not specifically designated for camping.

According to protester Elie Whitely a number of Occupy members are prepared to be arrested once the new measure becomes law. She also says that protesters are exploring options for maintaining some kind of presence on the plaza.

"We might not be camping there, but we're trying to set up a 24 hour vigil; basically with assigned hours. People might stay there a few hours and then give over to somebody else."

Whitely says Occupy Nashville is seeking donations to cover the bail costs for those who are arrested.  Charges will mean a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by nearly a year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500 or both.