TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Aug 27, 2025

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee and the state are taking time to “explore the possibility of settlement” in the ACLU’s lawsuit challenging a law that makes it a felony for public officials to vote in favor of sanctuary city policies, WPLN reports. Lawmakers passed an omnibus immigration bill this year, which among other provisions, made it a felony for local officials to support sanctuary city measures. The lawsuit, filed in June on behalf of seven Nashville Metro Council members, argues the law is unconstitutional because it fails to clearly define a sanctuary city policy and violates protections for legislators acting in their governing roles. A three-judge panel appointed earlier this month has approved a motion for an extension, giving the parties until Oct. 10 to pursue settlement discussions.