State Representative John Gillespie today announced a series of proposed laws he’s sponsoring designed to increase public safety. Gillespie will introduce each bill during the legislative session that begins tomorrow in Nashville. The legislation includes the following:
- Closing the aggravated assault “loophole”
- Providing for the seizure and forfeiture of vehicles used in drag racing
- Creating bail minimums for Judicial Commissioners
- Removing “financial status” from bail consideration
- Requiring Pre-Trial Services to monitor and enforce conditions of bail
- Requiring Judicial Commissioners to provide information to the County Commission upon request
- Holding parents accountable for crimes committed by their minor children
The legislation to close the aggravated assault “loophole” clarifies a defendant is not eligible for probation if the offense involved the discharge of a fireman. Gillespie is sponsoring this bill along with Senator Brent Taylor.
Four of Gillespie’s bills relate to Shelby County’s troubled bail system. “One’s ability or inability to post bail should have no bearing on whether they are granted bail and the amount of bail,” remarked Gillespie. “Bail is useless if no one is monitoring and enforcing the conditions of bail. One of my proposed laws requires Pre-Trial Services or some other organization monitor and enforce bail conditions as set by judges or judicial commissioners,” stated Gillespie. Brent Taylor is Senate sponsor of the bail legislation.
Gillespie is also sponsoring a Constitutional Amendment clarifying the duties of elected county officials. The amendment states the Sheriff has “full law enforcement jurisdiction” within his county. Gillespie’s proposal is intended to prohibit County Commissioners from usurping the law enforcement duties of the elected Sheriff.
Representative Gillespie serves as Chairman of the Shelby County legislative delegation in Nashville. He represents House District 97 which includes much of East Memphis and part of Cordova.