NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) -- The Nashville Council this week passed two ordinances allowing Mayor John Cooper to deputize any city employee to issue citations for violation of COVID-19 health orders.
Metro Legislative Affairs Director Mike Jameson told council members Tuesday night that the city’s Health Department is already straining to provide enforcement.
Jameson said as more businesses re-open in the coming months, the city will need more boots on the ground to enforce health orders.
Some council members expressed reservations. District 4 Council Member Robert Swope was the most vocal critic, describing the ordinances as “terryfiying” and “massive overreach.”
The measures passed on second reading. They will need to pass a third and final reading during the Sep. 15 meeting before becoming law.
You can review the proposed ordinances using the links provided below.
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Bill BL2020-421
An ordinance amending Title 10, Title 13, Title 15, and Title 16 to permit the Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, Metro Public Works, Metro Water Services, and Metro Codes to enforce emergency health orders.
Sponsor(s): Bob Mendes, Russ Pulley, Sharon Hurt, Russ Bradford, Sean Parker
Bill BL2020-422
An ordinance amending Metropolitan Code § 1.24.030 to permit the Mayor to enlist Metropolitan Employees outside of the Health Department and MNPD to issue citations to enforce emergency health orders.
Sponsor(s): Bob Mendes, Russ Pulley, Sharon Hurt, Russ Bradford, Sean Parker
