NASHVILLE – After a two-year battle, the Tennessee Senate today passed Sen. Bo Watson’s much amended de-annexation bill that would allow disgruntled voters in sections of cities annexed by ordinance after 1999 to secede.
The bill passed 29-3 and contains various provisions that have made cities and Watson’s colleagues more comfortable.
Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, is expected to push the companion bill in 2018.
As he presented his bill, a clearly miffed Watson, R-Hixson, said “this may be the most comprehensively compromised piece of legislation this body will ever consider.”
Watson said he’s been “amazed … quite frankly” by the attacks from “various constituencies.”