TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Apr 7, 2020

A coalition of statewide organizations are urging Gov. Bill Lee to roll back certain state laws so that local officials can meet the needs of residents during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Tennessean reports. The organizations, which include the Tennessee Justice Center, Stand Up Nashville, Memphis For All and others, wrote an open letter on Monday asking Lee to use emergency powers to suspend laws that limit localities from requiring employers to provide paid sick days and repeal anti-sanctuary cities measures to ensure immigrants feel safe getting medical treatment. The coalition argues that local governments must have “every tool in the toolbox” to meet the needs of the community during the state of emergency. The group is also looking to expand property tax freeze eligibility and to allow “inclusionary zoning” polices to make housing affordable and provide incentives for new affordable units as some cities rebuild from the March 3 tornadoes.