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John Gillespie — Republican State Representative for Tennessee District 97 (official headshot)

John Gillespie Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

TN Representative

District: 97 • Republican

2025 DEM Alignment:

84.44%

Lifetime Alignment:

75.91%

View Member History

Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Rep. John Gillespie (R-TN-97) earned a 84% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing strong alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. John Gillespie voted on 45 of the 67 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 3 years rated, John Gillespie's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 76%, with 147 votes recorded across 183 scored bills. John Gillespie represents the 97th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1143House 20251x

Protecting Tennesseans from Higher Utility Costs by Ensuring Natural Gas is Designated as a "Clean Energy" if a Locality Imposes an Energy Mandate on a Public Utility.

With DEMs
This bill stipulates that any political subdivision that imposes requirements or expectations related to the type of energy use by a public utility must include certain sources of energy as permissible sources or clean, green, or renewable energy, regardless of the political subdivision''s own energy classifications. Under the bill, solar energy, hydropower, nuclear power, natural gas, fuel cells, geothermal energy, biomass, and more energy sources must be accepted as a source of clean, green, or renewable energy. A number of state and local governments across the country have imposed "clean energy" mandates on utility companies which unnecessarily drive-up consumer costs in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
HB 1157House 20251x

Promoting Medical Freedom and Government Transparency by Limiting the Dissemination of Misleading Health Information by Public Agencies.

With DEMs
This bill enacts the "Restore Trust in Public Health Messaging Act," prohibiting department of health, commissioner of health, a local health department, and the state executive branch from directly or indirectly promoting, distributing, or endorsing information regarding an FDA-regulated product in a manner that conflicts with or does not accurately reflect the FDA-approved or FDA-authorized label for such product. The bill clarifies the different between "FDA-approved" and "FDA-authorized" and prohibits the use of grants or public funds to disseminate information that violates these provisions. For example, government agencies may not distribute information that "implies that safety or effectiveness has been established for coadministration of the vaccine, mask, or emergency use authorized product when adequately powered and well-controlled clinical trials needed to substantiate such representations have not been completed." Under the bill, disseminated information must be universally true for all products with the related products general category or type and provide the necessary qualification and disclaimers. It is not the proper role of government to propagate certain medical services or treatments. Instead, the free market should be allowed to advocate for products and grant individuals the freedom to choose what services or treatments they wish to obtain.
HB 132House 20251x

Preventing Executive Overreach by Allowing the State Legislature to Terminate a State of Emergency Ordered by the Governor Through a Joint Resolution.

With DEMs
This bill allows the state legislature, through a joint resolution, to terminate a state of emergency extended or issued by an executive order or proclamation by the governor.
HB 1330 (House Version)House 20251x

Strengthening Government Transparency and Expanding Competition by Reforming Occupational Licensing and Ensuring Public Access to Electronic Government Meetings.

With DEMs
This bill, titled the "Less is More Act of 2025," makes various changes to licensing and public meeting laws. Notably, this bill allows governing bodies to hold meetings electronically if certain conditions are met, such as allowing the public to listen, view, participate in, and comment in the meeting by electronic means. The governing body must publish a notice and agenda stating that the meeting will be electronic and how to access it. The meeting must be recorded and later posted on the governing body''s website. Along with a litany of changes to the structures of boards and commissions, the bill provides an alternative pathway to licensure for prospective certified public accountants (CPAs), creates reciprocity for CPAs licensed in another state, and allows real estate brokers whose license has expired within the past two years to reinstate the license upon payment of a fee and completion of 30 hours continuing education.
HB 1409 (Amd. 10)House 20251x

Forcing Taxpayers (Instead of the Private Sector) to Spend Over $2.8 Million on a Grant to the Memphis Rock ''n'' Soul Museum.

With DEMs
The Hardaway amendment 10 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment redirects over $2.8 million from the Governor''s Office payroll to the City of Memphis Music/Rock N Soul Museum Grant. Taxpayer funds - at any level of government - should not be used to fund private museums. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.
HB 1409 (Amd. 14)House 20251x

Expanding Cronyism and Unnecessary Spending by Redirecting $14.28 Million from the Office of the Attorney General to Provide Grants to Government-Favored Groups and Initiatives.

With DEMs
The Glynn amendment 14 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment reducing appropriations to the Office of the Attorney General and Report by over $14.28 million, redirecting those funds to support a litany of crony programs and private organizations. For example, $3 million in recurring funding is allocated towards supporting the AGLaunch program, $1 million for a grant to The Next Door Recovery, and $1.5 million is provided for a grant to AGAPE Family Services. The rest of the funds are directed towards the GoBuild Tennessee program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Memphis Youth Villages, and other entities. The private sector (through charitable endeavors) is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.
HB 1409 (Amd. 15)House 20251x

Further Indebting Taxpayers and Advancing Government Interference in the Private Market Through a $4.5 Million Allocation to Provide Loans for Starter Homes.

With DEMs
The Hemmer amendment 15 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment removes $4.5 million from funding allocated to the attorney general special litigation program and instead provides $4.5 million to the Starter Home Revolving Fund. The fund, proposed by the governor, would have provided 0% interest construction loans to build new homes.
HB 1409 (Amd. 18)House 20251x

Attacking School Choice and Expanding Wealth Redistribution by Channeling $145.9 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding to Instead Establish a Universal Income Program.

With DEMs
The Powell amendment 18 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This bill redirects $145.9 million in funding allocated to implementing Education Freedom Scholarships in the state to instead establish a universal income program. Under the program, a nonrecurring grant will be provided to each working-age resident of the state who earns an income that is l ess than the state''s median income. Each grant is capped at $10,000 per eligible recipient.
HB 1409 (Amd. 21)House 20251x

Attacking School Choice and Increasing Government Dependency by Earmarking $148.6 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding for Grants to Former Federal Employees.

With DEMs
The Johnson amendment 21 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment earmarks the sum of funds available for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program, which allows residents of the state to receive scholarships to apply to their child''s education expenses at private schools, to be used for the sole purpose of providing grants to state residents who lost their employment with the federal government since January 20, 2025.
HB 1409 (Amd. 23)House 20251x

Attacking School Choice and Increasing Government Dependency by Channeling $148.6 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding to Instead Expand Medicaid.

With DEMs
The Salinas amendment 23 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment earmarks the sum of funds available for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program, which allows residents of the state to receive scholarships to apply to their child''s education expenses at private schools, to be used for the "sole purpose of expanding Medicaid in this state."
HB 1409 (Amd. 24)House 20251x

Weakening Educational Outcomes and Attacking School Choice by Channeling $148.6 Million in Education Freedom Scholarship Funding to Instead Establish an Office of Gun Safety.

With DEMs
The Brooks amendment 24 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment earmarks funds allocated to the Education Freedom Scholarship Program, which allows residents of the state to receive scholarships to apply to their child''s education expenses at private schools, to establish the office of gun safety within the Department of Safety. The creation of the office of gun safety is merely an attempt to restrict the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
HB 1409 (Amd. 8)House 20251x

Weakening Educational Outcomes by Redirecting Over $225 Million in Funding Allocated for Charter Schools and School Choice Initiatives to Public Schools.

With DEMs
The Miller amendment 8 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment redirects over $225 million in nonrecurring funding slated for school choice expansion to the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) public school funding formula. This amendment funnels funding intended for the Charter School Commission, Charter School Facilities Fund, the Educational Freedom Scholarship Program, and more. School choice improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 1409 (Amd. 9)House 20251x

Increasing Government Dependency Through a $77.7 Million Appropriation to Expand the Summer Food Service Program.

With DEMs
The Clemmons amendment 9 to an underlying bill making appropriations for fiscal years beginning in 2024 and 2025. This amendment appropriates $77.7 million in funding to the Department of Human Services for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides food assistance to school-aged children in low-income areas when school is closed to supplement free school lunches. The funding originally was slated for the administration of the school choice voucher program and Teach for America. This measure further grows government dependency, which oftentimes leads to intergenerational poverty.
HB 22House 20251x

Strengthening Local Government Accountability by Requiring Periods for Public Comment in Governing Body Public Meetings.

With DEMs
This bill requires local governing bodies, such as school districts and counties, to reserve a public comment period for each public meeting. Under the bill, the public must be provided an opportunity to comment on items on the agenda or on matters pertaining to the jurisdiction of the governing body.
HB 6004House 20251x

Improving Education Outcomes by Expanding School Choice via the Education Freedom Scholarship Program.

With DEMs
This bill enacts the "Education Freedom Scholarship Act," creating a scholarship program for the costs and expenses of attending private school for eligible students. Under the bill, a maximum of 20,000 scholarships must be awarded for the 2025-2026 school year; half of the scholarships are designated for eligible students who meet certain income requirements or other eligibility criteria and the other 10,000 are available for eligible students, regardless of whether the student meets the other related criteria. Each scholarship is equal to the base funding amount set by current law and may be used for tuition and fees of private schools, textbooks and materials, fees for transportation, and more. This bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 6004 (Amd. 16)(Motion to Defeat)House 20251x

Blocking an Attempt to Weaken School Choice by Making Education Freedom Scholarships Dependent on Public School Funding.

With DEMs
Lay on the table (defeat) the Johnson amendment 16 to a bill creating the education freedom scholarship act. This amendment ties education freedom scholarships to public school funding levels by prohibiting the department of education from awarding a scholarship to an eligible student for a school year in which the comptroller of the treasury certifies that public schools in the state are not "fully funded." The amendment defines "fully funded" as public schools having equitable access to resources, high-quality educational facilities, and can adequately compensate teachers. Public schools must also provide "sufficient financial support" to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all students. This measure is merely designed to hinder school choice by implementing barriers to awarding scholarships through vague and overly broad public school funding requirements.
HB 6004 (Amd. 19) (Motion to Defeat)House 20251x

Blocking an Effort to Discourage Private School Acceptance of Education Freedom Scholarship Recipients Through Reporting Requirements.

With DEMs
Lay on the table (defeat) the Love amendment 19 to a bill creating the education freedom scholarship act. This amendment imposes reporting requirements onto private schools that enroll recipients of the education freedom scholarship. Under the amendment, the school must provide information about each recipient to the office of research and education accountability, such as the students household income level, sex, race, and where the student resides.
HB 62House 20251x

Expanding Access to Healthcare and Lowering Costs by Allowing Athletic Trainers to Administer Dry Needling.

With DEMs
This bill allows athletic trainers to use dry needling to carry out the practice of preventing, managing, and treating athletic injuries. The trainer must complete required training before practicing dry needling.
HB 622House 20251x

Strengthening Government Integrity and Efficiency by Prohibiting Discrimination in Public Employment Decisions Through the "Dismantle DEI in Employment Act".

With DEMs
This bill creates the "Dismantle DEI in Employment Act," prohibiting state and local governments, LEAs, and public institutions of higher education from basing hiring and employment decisions on an applicant''s race, ethnicity, sex, age, or any other demographic characteristic, rather than on individual merit, qualifications, or lawful eligibility criteria. Lawmakers have a duty to ensure government provides equal treatment and opportunity to all under the law. Government should be held strictly accountable to ensure discrimination is prohibited across every category, including race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and any other class.
HB 64House 20251x

Strengthening Safety and Privacy in Residential Education Programs by Requiring Use of Restrooms, Changing Areas, and Showers by Biological Sex (Male or Female).

With DEMs
Geared towards summer camps and pre-college programs. This bill protects the privacy of minors by requiring all residential education programs in the state that allow minors access to residential facilities or allow minors to stay overnight in residential facilities must segregate restrooms, changing areas, and showers by biological sex. This applies to programs at private schools or higher education institutions.
HB 65House 20251x

Worsening Cronyism by Allowing the City of Brentwood to Enter into a Public-Private Partnership for Sport Facility Development.

Against DEMs
This bill allows a city incorporated under a city manager-commission charter to contract with a private entity to develop, construct, manage, and operate an indoor or outdoor sports facility. Under the bill, the city must have a bond rating of AAA (i.e., City of Brentwood) issued by a national recognized statistical rating organization. It is solely the role of the free market - not the government - to develop and construct recreational facilities.
HB 749House 20251x

Strengthening National Security by Providing that Driver''s Licenses Issued by Other States to Illegal Immigrants are Invalid.

With DEMs
This bill invalidates certain out-of-state driver licenses that are issued exclusively to illegal aliens, creating a class B misdemeanor for those violating the provisions of this bill. This measure helps deter illegal immigration, which places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues.
SB 1084House 20251x

Protecting Taxpayer Funds and Reducing Politicization by Prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Offices in Public Entities.

Against DEMs
This bill enacts the "Dismantling DEI Departments Act," prohibiting any department, agency, or other unit of state government from establishing or maintain an office, division, or department or using a discriminatory preference to increase "diversity, equity, or inclusion." The prohibition also applies to county, municipality, and metropolitan governments, and public institutions of higher education. The bill prohibits the governor from granting preferential treatment when making appointments to any board, commission, committee, or other entity of the executive branch of state government on the basis of race.
SB 1274House 20251x

Driving Up Business and Consumer Costs by Increasing the Maximum "Air Contaminant Emissions Fee" by Over 100%.

Against DEMs
This bill increases the maximum "air contaminant emissions fee" set by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation by over 100%, from $18.75 to $38 per ton. Additionally, the bill allows the department to recover "direct and indirect costs, including administrative costs, incurred through the regulation of coal combustion residuals disposal units." This includes costs associated with permitting, oversight, supervision, investigation, regulation, and remediation activities. Finally, the bill adds an exception allowing a permit to be issued for a coal ash disposal facility without a liner and final cap, if the facility is used for certain purposes, such as agricultural uses.
SB 1310House 20251x

Improving Education Outcomes and Expanding School Choice by Expediting the Charter School Application Process.

With DEMs
Under previous law, public charter school applicants must first apply to their local school board for approval and if denied, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. This bill expedites the process by allowing applicants the ability to apply directly to the commission if they want to open a school in a district that''s had three charter denials overturned in three years. The bill implements timeline requirements the commission must rule to approve or deny the application and upon a denial, the commission must provide the application with objective reasons for such denial. Additionally, the charter school commission may renew charters every five years and charter operators who want to replicate an existing academic model are provided the opportunity to apply directly to the commission. This measure improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
SB 1360House 20251x

Protecting Knife and Peppery Spray Manufacturers and Retailers from Frivolous Litigation by Expanding Existing Liability Protections.

Against DEMs
This bill expands existing law that provides firearm manufacturers and retailers immunity from most civil liability, except in certain cases such as those relating to product defects. Specifically, this bill expands "qualified products" under the law to include knives, body armor, pepper spray, silencers, tasers, and other certain products. This measure helps protect the Second Amendment by ensuring manufacturers and retailers that provide these products are not driven out of business through costly frivolous litigation.
SB 1377House 20251x

Improving the State''s Business Climate and Enhancing Opportunities for Independent Contractors by Allowing Businesses to Voluntarily Contribute to a "Portable Benefit Plan".

With DEMs
This bill allows a public or private entity to voluntarily contribute funds to a portable benefit plan as a form of compensation to an independent contractor, without affecting the worker''s employment classification. The bill defines a "portable benefit plan" as a benefit plan administered by a third-party that is chosen by a self-employed worker and includes health insurance, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. This bill protects employment opportunities and allows companies to maintain flexibility and low consumer costs by ensuring independent contracting remains a viable and competitive option in the workforce.
SB 1379House 20251x

Expanding Cronyism by Providing Childcare Facilities the "Right of First Refusal" for Public School Properties.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes that in areas where an operating LEA does not have one or more public charter schools operating within the same geographic boundaries, child care agencies have a right of first refusal to purchase vacant or underutilized LEA property at or below fair market value. Under the bill, child care agencies include places or facilities that operate as a family or group child care home or a child care or drop-in center, that provides child care for five or more children for three or more hours per day. If an LEA has a public charter school operating within its geographical boundaries, the child care agency would receive a right of second refusal. All government transactions should be based strictly on factors relating to cost and quality, without providing special benefits or privileges to certain industries.
SB 221House 20251x

Increasing Public Safety by Allowing Courts to Consider a Defendant''s Previous Juvenile Record in Bail Determinations.

With DEMs
This bill allows a court to use juvenile court records in certain situations, including pretrial reports used to set bonds (if the offense occurred within the previous five years), presentence investigations, and criminal prosecutions for a firearm possession violation. Additionally, the bill requires the magistrate to consider a defendant''s prior juvenile record when determining the defendant''s risk of danger to the community.
SB 263House 20251x

Ensuring Tennesseans Maintain Control Over State Policy and Not International Organizations by Stipulating That the WHO, UN, and the WEF Have No Authority in the State.

Against DEMs
This bill dictates that the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have no jurisdiction in the state of Tennessee. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the state and its political subdivisions must not be compelled to enforce requirements or mandates issued by the listed international organizations. Mandates of the WHO, UN, or WEF are prohibited from being used as a basis for action or to impose mandates that are contrary to the state''s laws and constitution. These mandates include those for masks, vaccines, medical testing, or the gathering of public or private information about the state''s citizens. This measure helps ensure Tennesseans remain in control over the policy of the state and not globalist entities which do not place the interest of Americans first.
SB 27House 20251x

Limiting Government Overreach and Reducing Governor Emergency Authority by Prohibiting Emergency Powers that Violate the State Constitution.

With DEMs
This bill adds to existing law to clarify that while the governor may suspend certain parts of a law, order, rule, or regulation under the governor''s emergency management powers, such powers may not conflict with, suspend, or oppose the state constitution.
SB 282House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Medical Freedom by Providing the "Right to Try" Individualized Investigative Treatments to Treat Severe of Life-Threatening Illnesses.

With DEMs
This bill, the "Individualized Investigational Treatment Act," allows manufacturers to provide drugs, biological products, or devices that are unique to and produced exclusively for use for an individual patient, based on the patient''s own genetic profile, known an individualized investigative treatment. Under the bill, patients who have a life-threatening or severely debilitating illness and has considered all other treatment options currently approved by the FDA may request an individualized investigative treatment. The bill prohibits a licensing board from retaliating against a healthcare provider based solely on the provider''s recommendation of an individual investigative treatment to an eligible patient and prevents any state official or agent from blocking (or attempting to block) an eligible patient''s access to such treatments. While the bill does prohibit a patient''s heirs from being held liable for outstanding debt related to the treatment if the patient dies while be treated, overall, this measure strengthens individual liberties and medical freedom by ensuring patients and their doctors - not government bureaucrats - are the ones making decisions over treatment and healthcare.
SB 376House 20251x

Combatting Affirmative Action by Prohibiting Race-Based Discrimination in Higher Education for Student Admission and Financial Aid Decisions.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits institutions of higher education located in the state from discriminating against a person on the basis of one''s race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in admission and financial aid determinations. The bill also prohibits an institution from utilizing aggregated data to develop admissions or student population quotas based on race. A cause of action is allowed for individuals who believe that the provisions of this bill were violated. It is a role for taxpayers to fund K-12 education - not advanced degrees for select individuals who decide to pursue higher education. However, if taxpayer funds are provided to state institutions of higher education, their usage should be based on merit, not racial discrimination. While this bill does apply to private institutions, overall the measure serves as a step in the right direction.
SB 392House 20251x

Strengthening State and National Security by Criminalizing Transporting or Harboring Illegal Immigrants Through the New Offense of "Human Smuggling".

With DEMs
This bill creates the crime of harboring, hiding, or concealing an individual that a person knows to be illegally in the United States. Specifically, the bill establishes an offense of "human smuggling" for knowingly transporting, concealing, harboring, or shielding from detection an individual who is illegally in the country with the intent to conceal the person from law enforcement for commercial advantage or private financial gain. The offense of human smuggling under the bill is a Class E felony, however, the bill stipulates that the smuggling of a victim who is younger than 13 years old at the time of the offense is a Class A felony. The bill clarifies that human smuggling does not constitute a human trafficking offense.
SB 449House 20251x

Weakening Life Protections and Threatening Religious Liberties by Establishing a "Right" to Contraception./Strengthening Medical Freedom and Expanding Pathways to Parenthood by Establishing a Right to Access Fertility Treatments.

With DEMs
This bill establishes an individual right to access fertility treatments and contraception, clarifying that the state does not prohibit activity associated with fertility treatment or contraception. The bill does stipulate that this does not entitle a person to fertility treatment or contraception, nor to the coverage or funding of such activities. [Establishing a legal right to contraception risks infringing upon the sincere moral and religious convictions of individuals and faith-based organizations.] [Establishing a legal right to fertility treatments responsibly expands family-building options and strengthens the medical freedom of prospective parents. Support]
SB 471House 20251x

Promoting Personal and Societal Success Through a Family Life Curriculum that Encourages Education, Employment, and Family Stability.

With DEMs
This bill, known as the "Success Sequence Act," expands the family life curriculum for public schools to include age-appropriate instruction and evidence regarding the positive personal and societal outcomes associated with the "success sequence." The bill defines the "success sequence" as a method by which a person obtains a high school diploma (or equivalent credential), enters into the workforce or pursues higher education, marries, and has children, in that order.
SB 480House 20251x

Strengthening Property Rights by Restricting the Use of Eminent Domain to Seize Blighted Properties.

With DEMs
This bill limits the ability of localities to seize property via eminent domain by replacing the current definition of "blighted area" with a limited "blighted property." Under the bill, property owners have the right to have a court determine if the taking of property using eminent domain is to "remediate blight and resell the property." The bill also limits the acquisition of property via eminent domain by a housing authority or community development agency to acquiring blighted property or property for public use. While the bill gives housing authorities powers to establish Tax Increment Financing Zones and the ability to acquire blighted properties through sales, overall, this measure serves as a step in the right direction to strengthening property rights. Eminent domain should only be utilized as a measure of last resort and for cases of significant general societal benefit.
SB 525House 20251x

Protecting Against Local Government Overreach by Ensuring Municipalities Can''t Impose Unconstitutional Charter Amendments.

With DEMs
This bill dictates that an amendment to the charter of a home rule locality is prohibited from being placed on any ballot if the amendment violates the Constitution or state law. The bill expands current law to allow for a civil action to be brought before a three-judge panel to challenge the constitutionality of a proposed charter amendment ordinance. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 6002House 20251x

Strengthening National Security and Helping Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking Through the Creation of the "Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division".

With DEMs
This bill creates the centralized immigration enforcement division within the department of safety, designed to facilitate state and local collaboration with federal immigration authority. The bill establishes a grant program to incentivize local agreements with the federal attorney general under the 287(g) program, creates new proof of citizenship requirements to acquire a Tennessee driver license, and makes the adoption or enforcement of a sanctuary policy a Class E felony. Ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation''s border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.
SB 6002 (Amd. 7)House 20251x

Weakening National Security and Public Safety by Restricting Immigration Enforcement Around Areas Deemed "Critical to Public Well-Being".

With DEMs
The Dixie amendment 7 to a bill creating the centralized immigration enforcement division. This amendment prohibits enforcement of immigration laws within 1,000 feet of schools, places of worship, hospitals, and other areas "critical to public well-being." Ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation''s border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.
SB 694House 20251x

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate for Loans Under the "Industrial Loan and Thrift Companies Act" to 36%.

With DEMs
This bill increases the maximum interest rate for closed-end loans under the Industrial Loan and Thrift Companies Act (ILTCA). Under the bill, the maximum permissible interest rate for closed-end loans under the ILTCA is 36% per year for loans of $100 or more. Previously, the maximum permissible interest rate for closed-end loans was 30% per year for loans of $5,000 or less, and 24% per year for loans in excess of $5,000. The free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities.
SB 734House 20251x

Increasing Taxation and the Growth of Government by Extending by 6 Years a Local Tax on Hotels for Wasteful Tourism Promotion Initiatives.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the sunset date from 2020 to 2026 of a law authorizing Davidson County to charge an additional $0.50 privilege tax on the occupancy of a hotel room to fund tourism promotion. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Additionally, it is not the proper role of government to fund tourism promotion and taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored industries.
SB 880House 20251x

Combatting Government Overreach and Easing Onerous Environmental Regulations by Establishing "Bodily Harm" Criteria for Agency Restrictions on Pollutants and Contaminants.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits an agency from adopting a rule establishing numeric criteria or limitations for a substance, mixture, or chemical related to drinking water, water pollution control, hazardous substances, contaminated site remediation, air quality, or solid or hazardous waste handling unless the regulatory action is based upon the "best available science." Under the bill, the best available science must establish a direct link that the substance or pollutant is believed to "manifest bodily harm in humans."
SB 950House 20251x

Preparing for a Potential Return to State Authority in Education by Establishing a Federal Deregulation Task Force.

With DEMs
This bill creates a federal education deregulation cooperation task force to prepare Tennessee for the potential deregulation of federal laws, regulations, and requirements for K-12 education. Under the bill, the task force must identify and track federal funding, federal requirements to receive such funding, the number of state and local employees funded through federal money, and more. The US Constitution reserves powers not specifically delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. K-12 education should be solely under the authority of the state and this measure is proactively preparing Tennessee to fully take charge of education upon a potential devolution of power.
SB 955House 20251x

Protecting Individual Liberties of Healthcare Providers and Insurers Through the "Medical Ethics Defense Act".

With DEMs
This bill establishes the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," which creates a right of conscience for healthcare providers. Under the bill, healthcare providers must not be required to participate in or pay for any healthcare procedure, treatment, or service that violates the sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles held by the provider. The bill establishes legal protections for healthcare providers that exercise their right to conscience, along with providers who expose violations, testify, assist, or participate in proceedings concerning such violations. The bill provides exceptions for certain scenarios, including performing procedures under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), religious healthcare providers in employment and staffing, and performing healthcare procedures for an individual who is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others. Lastly, government entities are prohibited from reprimanding or sanctioning a healthcare provider or denying or revoking a license or certification based on the provider''s engagement in their First Amendment rights. Unfortunately, this bill only serves as a step in the right direction as it contains provisions that would infringe upon the contracting rights of private companies and organizations by forcing them to retain employees that may refuse to perform certain services because of their beliefs. Overall, businesses and individuals should have the freedom to not be forced to provide services that violate their beliefs.
HB 1133House 20251x

Worsening Cronyism and Increasing Tax Burdens on Other Individuals and Business Through an Expansion of Sales Tax Exemptions for Nuclear Energy Production Facilities.

Neutral
Under current law, "certified green energy production facilities" receive a 100% tax credit on the sales and use tax of machinery and equipment used to produce or store electricity using "clean energy technology." This bill expands the definition of "clean energy technology" to include technology used to generate nuclear energy. The bill also expands the definition of "industrial machinery," which is exempt from sales and use taxes, to include machinery used for enriching, deconverting, or converting uranium materials, compounds, or products under certain circumstances. Lastly, the bill removes the enrichment of uranium materials, compounds, or products that is performed on a cost-plus basis or on a toll enrichment fee basis from taxable retail sale services. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism enacted under this measure provides special benefits and advantages to nuclear energy production while shifting tax burdens to energy production not preferred by government.
HB 1162House 20251x

Improving Educational Outcomes and Strengthening School Choice by Allowing Charter Schools to Use Available Facilities Within City School System Boundaries.

Neutral
This bill reduces barriers for charter schools by allowing charter schools to use available buildings or facilities located within the geographic boundaries of the city school system located in the same county. Under the bill, the public charter school must need additional space, facilities, or buildings to serve the students, and the school must enter into a written agreement for the lease of the facilities for educational purposes. To be eligible, counties must have only one city school system operating.
HB 1205House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Expanding Access to Healthcare by Allowing Physicians to Treat Themselves and Their Family Members.

Neutral
This bill allows a physician or podiatrist to treat themselves or immediately family members in certain situations, such as in emergency situations or there is no other healthcare provider within 30 miles of the physician''s primary practice site. Specifically, a provider may prescribe, dispense, or administer medication or scheduled drugs within the physician''s or podiatrist''s regular scope of practice in permitted situations under the bill.
HB 1330 (Motion to Concur - Senate Amd. 3)House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Blocking an Attempt to Restrict Direct Lottery Ticket Sales.

Neutral
The motion to concur with Senate amendment 3 to the "Less is More Act of 2025," which amends several provisions related to regulatory boards and commissions. The amendment restores existing law which provides that the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation is not prohibited from directly selling lottery tickets in any amount or through any payment method. This language had been eliminated in an earlier House amendment.
HB 1332House 20251x

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Lowering the Eligible Age to Obtain a Handgun Carry Permit from 21 to 18.

Neutral
This bill codifies into law a federal court ruling, lowering the eligible age for a handgun carry permit from 21 to 18. James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. The state should not infringe the individual liberties of adults who at age 18 can fight for our country, vote and enter into legally binding contracts.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. John Gillespie's voting record?

Rep. John Gillespie (R-TN-97) earned a 84% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing strong alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. John Gillespie voted on 45 of the 67 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 3 years rated, John Gillespie's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 76%, with 147 votes recorded across 183 scored bills. John Gillespie represents the 97th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

How aligned is John Gillespie with Democratic Party Platform principles?

John Gillespie earned a 84% National Democrat Platform score in 2025, showing strong alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is John Gillespie's Dem Platform score?

John Gillespie has a 84% Dem Platform score for 2025. Across 3 years rated, John Gillespie's lifetime average is 76%.

Where does John Gillespie serve?

Rep. John Gillespie (R-TN-97) represents the 97th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Republican.

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