A resolution directing Tennessee's attorney general to mount a legal challenge to the federal refugee resettlement program is headed for a vote in the state Senate.
The Senate Finance Committee voted 9-1 on Tuesday to advance the measure sponsored by Senate Republican leader Mark Norris of Collierville. The measure would have the General Assembly hire its own lawyer if Attorney General Herbert Slatery were to decline to get involved.
The lone vote against the measure came from Republican Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville, who said he was concerned that the measure would be perceived as being "unwelcoming."
Stephanie Teatro, a co-executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said the measure would have taxpayers foot the bill for what she called "frivolous litigation."
