State Representative John Gillespie today announced plans to seek re-election this year. Gillespie, a Republican, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020.
“I look forward to talking with voters about my efforts to reduce violent crime in Memphis,” Gillespie stated. “When I first ran for State Representative three years ago, my focus was cracking down on crime. We’re making progress in the legislature, but there’s still more work to do,” remarked Gillespie.
Gillespie co-sponsored Tennessee’s “Truth in Sentencing” law that requires violent criminals to serve their full prison sentence. He was the prime sponsor of a new law to strengthen penalties for drag racing, a serious problem on Memphis streets and interstates. Gillespie identified several public safety bills he is working to pass during this year’s legislative session:
- Closing the aggravated assault “loophole”
- Creating bail minimums for Judicial Commissioners
- Requiring Pre-Trial Services to monitor and enforce conditions of bail
- 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. Four bills Gillespie is sponsoring this year relate to Shelby County’s troubled bail system. “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,” said Gillespie.
Representative Gillespie is a member of the Board of Directors of the Memphis Crime Commission. He also serves as Chairman of the Shelby County legislative delegation in Nashville. Gillespie represents House District 97 which includes much of East Memphis and part of Cordova.