Tennessee Republicans move bill to undo police reforms placed after Tyre Nichols’s death

Tennessee Senate Republicans have passed a bill that would undo reforms passed last year after the police beating of Tire Nichols, 29.

The Senate-passed bill was supported by state Republicans for weeks. The bill now heads to the desk of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R). If signed, it would overturn an ordinance passed by the Memphis City Council and apply to the entire state.

The original ordinance prohibited some traffic stops for minor violations. The law prohibits local laws regarding traffic stops when a police officer identifies or suspects that a driver is violating local, state, or federal law.

Democratic state Sen. London Lamar, who represents the district where Nichols was killed, called the bill a “slap in the face.”

“Because we’re saying to not just our city council, but every local government in this state, you’re not smart enough to decide the policies that govern your city,” Lamar said. He is said to have said. Associated Press.

Republicans supported the bill, saying it would help reduce crime and citing examples of law enforcement busting violent crimes during traffic stops.

“It’s time to take the handcuffs off the police and put them where the criminals belong,” said state Sen. Brent Taylor. new york times.

Nichols, who was black, was murdered in January 2023. All five officers, all black, were charged in state court with second-degree murder and civil rights violations. The Department of Justice is investigating whether Memphis Police Department officers used excessive force or engaged in racist policing.