TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Sep 4, 2020

Nashville city officials are bracing for the likelihood they will see more violations of Metro's public health orders, particularly as they look to expand what residents and businesses are allowed to do during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the city is running out of people to enforce those rules, the Tennessean reports. In response, Mayor John Cooper is seeking to deputize additional city workers to help. Nashville council members will consider that proposal on Sept. 15. Those deputized to assist would have authority to issue stop work orders or suspend permits for any business violating emergency health orders. Some council members expressed concern about the expansion of government power and questioned the extent of training that would be provided to city employees recruited for this new role.