A Tennessee law criminalizing sanctuary city votes faces defeat after a settlement proposed in a lawsuit filed by seven Metro Council members. The law, passed during a January 2025 special legislative session, would have made it a felony for officials to support policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee argued the measure violated constitutional protections.

Under the proposed agreement, District Attorney Glenn Funk and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti cannot pursue criminal charges against local officials for sanctuary city votes. The settlement includes $61,223.51 in attorneys' fees and costs for the Metro Council members. Skrmetti's office acknowledged that while sanctuary policies remain illegal in Tennessee, elected officials cannot face imprisonment for their votes.

The case centered on First and Fourteenth Amendment violations and the Speech and Debate Clause, which grants legislators immunity for official actions. Council members celebrated the settlement as a victory for democratic principles, with one calling it a warning sign when laws collapse under constitutional scrutiny. The agreement ensures local officials can represent constituents without fear of felony prosecution for policy disagreements.