Mike Carter – 29th DistrictNASHVILLE – Two Hamilton County legislators are renewing their push to pass a “de-annexation” bill that would allow people in parts of Chattanooga and other Tennessee cities annexed after 1998 the possibility of voting to secede.
Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, introduced the follow-up to their unsuccessful 2015-16 effort Thursday, the General Assembly’s final day for filing legislation.
But this year’s version includes a twist. To address senators’ concerns last year that their bill unfairly targeted only selected cities such as Chattanooga and Memphis, the new bill would apply to all towns and cities across Tennessee.
Moreover, after joining with Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and leaders in the other targeted cities to fight last year’s bill, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland is looking at voluntarily de-annexing seven areas in 2021.
That’s caught the attention of a number of lawmakers, including Watson and Carter. And they appear open to an idea offered up by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, that the legislation could include a carrot-and-stick approach. Cities could voluntarily de-annex areas on their own. Or they can come under the general requirements of the bill.