Tennessee senator Bo WatsonNASHVILLE – A controversial anti-annexation measure was delayed this morning until Monday.
Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, the bill’s sponsor, agreed to postpone debate on the bill at the request of Sen. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville.
The bill originally required that cities wishing to annex new territory must first hold a referendum for people living in the affected area.
Under an amendment, that has been changed to a moratorium on all annexations through June 30, 2015, so officials can do a comprehensive study on the state of annexation in Tennessee and the impacts of the state’s 15-year-old urban growth law.
“I’ve received a large number of phone calls, emails and visits about this bill,” Dickerson said. “And my constituents have some concerns on this.”