The Tennessee Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would restrict local governments’ power to pass police reform measures — and would undo a police reform ordinance that Memphis’ City Council passed after police there beat Tyre Nichols, a Black man, to death last year.
Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari , who represents Memphis, spoke in opposition to Taylor’s legislation. She described it as “extreme overreach” and “cruel” and invoked Nichols’ death. The lack of clarity over the vote timing was a miscommunication, Gillespie told HuffPost in a statement last week, adding that Nichols’ family was aware the bill was on the legislative calendar.“My heart breaks for Tyre Nichols’ entire family,” Gillespie said in the statement. “They have lost a son, and they are in unimaginable pain. I have talked with them, and I hope to continue to keep an open dialogue. They were aware that this item would be on the calendar today. My No.
The law would impose regulations on a city that has already taken steps to reduce dangerous traffic stops, Akbari told HuffPost.“Our concern is that this is just another move to take away local control and really take away the ability for local police departments and local governments to work together to make sure that our citizens stay safe,” Akbari said.