State lawmakers voted Thursday to ban Nashville's "Local Hire" amendment.
The amendment was passed by nearly 58% of voters back in August 2015. It required construction companies to hire at least 40% of its workers from Davidson County, if the project was funded by the city.
The amendment was controversial but Mayor Megan Barry supported it. Earlier this year, she stood by the amendment but decided to delay its implementation.
On Thursday, 72 lawmakers voted to overturn the amendment while only 20 supported it.
"This is a very dangerous precedent to start setting," Senator Jack Johnson said.
Senator Johnson sponsored legislation overturning the amendment. He said the law has its strong points but still falls short of uniting the state and claims it could raise local taxes.
"If it's a company based in Franklin, Kentucky they can do all the business they want with Davidson County," the Senator said. "If they're based in Franklin, Tennessee they can't unless they abide by the charter amendment and that's unfair."
Supporters of the amendment, however, disagree. They said Davidson County residents should get priority on jobs in the area.
"Nashvillians should get first opportunity for the jobs," Reverend Ed Thompson said. "We are here. With the growth, you can see the poverty."
Thompson is a part of the Nashville Organized for Action and Hope group, which proposed the amendment last year.
He claimed Thursday's vote will increase the level of frustration the public has with lawmakers.
"It went against the vote of the people," he said. "It's one the reasons that will bring a lot of animosity, disenchantment with government."
Mayor Megan Barry released the following statement in reaction to the vote Thursday afternoon.
“Regardless of whether this legislation is signed into law at the state level, in Metro we will continue to work with contractors, labor, and community organizations through our Nashville Construction Readiness Partnership workforce development initiative that will offer the access and skills needed for Davidson County residents to engage in the construction industry.”
The bill now heads to Governor Bill Haslam to sign into law.
