Judges rule state takeover of Nashville airport's board violates Tennessee Constitution
A panel of judges has ruled that it was unconstitutional for Tennessee lawmakers to pass a state takeover of Nashville International Airport’s board without approval from city officials or voters
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A panel of judges ruled Tuesday that it was unconstitutional for Tennessee lawmakers to pass a state takeover of Nashville International Airport's board without approval from city officials or voters, delivering the latest blow in court to state Republicans' series of attempts to rein in the autonomy of Democratic-leaning Nashville.
The three state court judges sided with Nashville officials who sued, ruling that the law targeted Nashville alone and didn't include the local involvement required under the Tennessee Constitution's home rule protections. The ruling ousts the new Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board, which awarded six of eight appointments to state officials and two to the mayor. It then reinstates the old board's setup, in which seven are picked by the mayor and confirmed by the metro council.
“Big win for the city obviously," said Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro, of Nashville. «But the bigger win is for the good old Tennessee Constitution, functioning as it should and ensuring some protection for local governments across the state.”
While a spokesperson for the attorney general said the office is reviewing its next steps, a spokesperson for Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton indicated an appeal would be coming.
The decision marks another win in court for Nashville officials over the slate of state restrictions passed this year to limit their authority. Last month, a judicial panel decided that the state cannot enforce a new law lowering the voting threshold for the local council to
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