NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee approved the cancellation of Memphis police traffic stop reforms put in place after the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols by officers just over a year ago.
By passing the law, the Republican governor supported GOP lawmakers who continued despite pleas from Nichols’ parents to allow them to reach a compromise.
Starting immediately, the law invalidates some of Memphis’ rules, including one that banned pretextual traffic stops, like for a broken taillight and other minor offenses.
Nichols’ death last January led to anger and demands for reforms nationally and locally. Videos showed an almost 3-minute series of punches, kicks and baton hits to Nichols’ face, head, front and back, as the 29-year-old Black man shouted for his mother about a block from home.
Nichols’ parents, mother RowVaughn Wells and stepfather Rodney Wells, were among the supporters who rallied for the Memphis city council last year to approve changes to ordinances.
