Representative John Gillespie Contact information

John Gillespie is an American politician and a member of the Republican Party. He has been representing the 97th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives since November 2020, and he was re-elected on November 8, 2022.

Career and Background: Gillespie’s professional journey began in the financial sector. After working for two local banks in Tennessee, he transitioned to a role where he writes and researches grants for Trezevant Manor, a senior living facility in Memphis. Notably, his father is a member of the Board at Trezevant Manor.

In 2023, Gillespie made headlines when he supported a resolution to expel two of three Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules. This unprecedented move garnered attention and discussion.

Legislation and Contributions: As a legislator, Gillespie has sponsored several bills aimed at improving various aspects of Tennessee life:

1. House Bill 22: This bill increases the penalty for drag racing from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
2. House Bill 549: It allows families of deputy jailers who are killed in the line of duty to receive compensation.
3. House Bill 628: Gillespie championed funding for services supporting victims of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and educational programs to prevent such mistreatment.
4. House Bill 629: He proposed modifying reporting requirements for the vulnerable adult protective investigative team’s annual report.
5. House Bill 630: This bill focuses on the reporting obligations related to adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation cases.
6. House Bill 718: Enacting the “Safe Seniors Act of 2021,” Gillespie aims to take dangerous individuals who abuse elderly and vulnerable populations off the streets.

Committee Involvement: As a member of the 112th General Assembly, Gillespie actively participates in the following committees:

• Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
• Civil Justice Committee
• Education Administration Committee
• Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
• Higher Education Subcommittee

Personal Life: John Gillespie hails from Memphis, Tennessee. His commitment to crime prevention methods and legislation targeting dangerous criminals led to his appointment to the Board of Directors of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. He earned a B.A. in political science from High Point University.

Overall, Gillespie’s dedication to public service and his focus on legislation that impacts the lives of Tennesseans make him a notable figure in state politics.