Metro English First Bill Moves Forward

NASHVILLE - A controversial bill declaring English the first-recognized language in Metro government moved forward during a second vote at Tuesday night's Metro Council meeting, despite some objections.

The vote was 21 to 10 in favor of Councilman Eric Crafton's bill that would require most government communications, publications and telephone answering systems to be in English.

One bill would declare English as Metro's official language. If approved for a third time, it would require all government communications, publications and telephone answering systems to be in English except in instances involving public health, safety or welfare as well as federal law.

Two other bills addressed hiring and renting to illegal immigrants. If approved, landlords and business owners would be penalized for renting or hiring undocumented workers.

Metro Council bills must be approved three times to become law.