NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville's Community Oversight Board is getting subpoena power after a vote at Metro Council, Tuesday night.
The Metro Oversight Board wanted this on day one, but it only became a possibility after action by the state legislature. Now, after a unanimous vote at Metro Council they will begin reviewing and approving subpoenas issued on behalf of the COB.
With 19 co-sponsors, we passed Bill BL2020-401 this evening authorizing the Council to approve subpoenas issued on behalf of @MNCONashville by resolution. It passed unanimously on a consent agenda.
— Bob Mendes (@mendesbob) September 16, 2020
The new ruling will take effect now that it's passed its third and final vote. It will allow subpoenas to be considered and issued by Metro Council if they receive at least 21 affirmative votes.
Last year, the state legislature decided it is up to the local city council to decide if a community oversight board can seek a subpoena as it's looking into cases of police misconduct in the city.
By state law, councils are still not permitted to give blanket authorization for subpoenas. The requests need to be specific.
