NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has announced the introduction of four new laws that he said will increase public safety and protect First Amendment rights.

O’Connell said the law comes at a time of great political tension and will help prevent behavior that could trigger violence.

“I have worked with the Department of Justice and the City Council to introduce four bills that increase public safety while protecting the First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly and expression. Political tensions are high, and this legislation will help us stop behavior that can spur violence. When political violence impedes government functions or creates public safety problems, we must have the tools to respond effectively,” O’Connell said.

Here is a look at the newly introduced legislation:

• An ordinance to create buffer zones to ensure public safety around public buildings and parking lots
• An adjustment of our mask requirement
• An ordinance prohibiting the placement of obtrusive signs over a highway
• An ordinance prohibiting the distribution of leaflets on private property before sunrise or after sunset”

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