Tyre Nichols’ Family Urges Tennessee Senate to Drop Bill That Would Walk Back Critical Police Reforms

SB2572 would nullify ordinances passed in Memphis in response to Tyre Nichols’ death

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –– The family of Tyre Nichols is urging Tennessee senators to vote ‘no’ on SB2572 as it moves towards passage, amplifying their calls for the Tennessee Senate to abandon the proposed state legislation that threatens to reverse and override critical municipal police reforms enacted in response to Tyre Nichols' tragic death.

The Tennessee House passed their portion on Thursday, ironically after bill sponsor Rep. John Gillsepie (R- Bartlett) personally told Tyre's parents RowVaughn and Rodney Wells Wednesday not to come to Nashville because he did not plan to bring the bill to the floor.

In their ongoing efforts to combat SB2572, the family of Tyre Nichols issued the following statement:

"We continue to urge the Tennessee Senate to reject SB2572 and preserve the essential police reforms that honor the memory of Tyre Nichols and serve to protect communities across our state. The proposed legislation represents a dangerous step back in the fight for accountability, transparency, and justice within law enforcement. We are moving dangerously backwards with this legislation and others like it, including those that eliminate DEI policies and efforts that were created in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.

"The Memphis ordinances, which we view as part of Tyre's legacy, were crafted with the goal of preventing future tragedies and fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. SB2572 not only undermines these efforts, but also disregards the collective voice of the people who tirelessly advocated for change.

"We call on Tennessee lawmakers to live up to the oath of their offices by prioritizing the safety and well-being of all citizens –– they must reject SB2572 and uphold the integrity of our local police reform ordinances. Our resolve remains unwavering, and we will continue to fight for justice in Tyre's name –– we hope our state senators will do the same.”

If passed, SB2572 would nullify ordinances passed in Memphis in response to Tyre Nichols’ death. The ordinances passed were:

• Data Transparency Act: Requires that traffic data is published in real time every month and that officers collect that data during traffic stops.

• Tyre Nichols Driving Equality Act: Prevents the 5 most common pretextual stops from being used as a 1st violation by police to pull someone over. This bill was named after Tyre Nichols because a pretextual stop led to his death.

• Unmarked car usage: Requires that unmarked cars not be used for traffic stops.

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