A Tennessee appeals court upheld a 2023 law reducing Nashville’s city-county council from 40 to 20 members on Tuesday. The Republican-majority legislature passed the law after Nashville decided not to host the 2024 Republican National Convention.
The law limiting council size was challenged as unconstitutional for violating the Home Rule Amendment and the exemption for consolidated city-county governments.
Republican House Majority Leader William Lamberth praised the ruling, calling it a measure to “rein in excessive government growth.”
The ruling implies that Nashville must cut council seats despite opposition from the city. Vice Mayor Angie Henderson said this disregards voter intent and will prompt further legal action.
