NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, has filed legislation to increase transparency and accountability in prosecutorial decisions related to major crime-fighting efforts operating in Memphis. Sponsored in partnership with State Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, House Bill 1484 / Senate Bill 1467 would enact the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, requiring district attorneys […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, has filed legislation to increase transparency and accountability in prosecutorial decisions related to major crime-fighting efforts operating in Memphis.
Sponsored in partnership with State Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, House Bill 1484 / Senate Bill 1467 would enact the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, requiring district attorneys to report certain prosecutorial actions tied to felony cases originating from Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force.
“Memphis residents deserve confidence that the significant investments being made to combat violent crime are matched with accountability at every level of the justice system,” said Gillespie. “This bill reinforces transparency, strengthens trust in the justice system and ensures that both lawmakers and the public have a clear understanding of how threats to public safety are being resolved.”
District attorneys general in judicial districts with Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force would be required to report within 24 hours when felony charges from these initiatives are reduced, dismissed, declined for prosecution, or resolved through a plea agreement. Reports would be submitted to the Tennessee attorney general and reporter, the speakers of the House and Senate, the district attorneys general conference and the United States attorney with jurisdiction in the district.
“Memphis is done with excuses. Our officers are risking their lives to arrest violent criminals, and taxpayers are investing millions to make our city safer,” said Taylor. “If those cases are being dropped, reduced or quietly swept aside, the public has a right to know. This bill demands transparency, accountability and real answers because public safety isn’t a social justice experiment.”
The Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency law enforcement initiative launched in September 2025 that brings together local, state and federal agencies to combat violent crime in Bluff City. The task force includes the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), local police and support from the Tennessee National Guard.
The Memphis Safe Task Force has reported more than 5,283 total arrests, seized 853 illegal firearms and located 148 missing children since its launch in September 2025 through Jan. 15, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
House Bill 1484 / Senate 1467 is expected to be heard by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
State Rep. John Gillespie of House District 97 and State Sen. Brent Taylor of Senate District 31 both represent part of Shelby County in the Tennessee General Assembly.