John J. Deberry Jr.
Republican · TN
John J. DeBerry Jr. represented Memphis-based District 90 in the Tennessee House of Representatives for twenty-six years and later served as a senior advisor to Governor Bill Lee. His public-service work included education, children and family policy, criminal-justice reform, and community affairs. DeBerry earned degrees from Freed-Hardeman University and the University of Memphis and has served congregations in Memphis as a minister.
Track record
Government Efficiency
· 4 records
In 2017, DeBerry sponsored HB 188, changing how civil actions begin in general sessions court; its companion became Public Chapter 267.
May 11, 2017For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2009, as Children and Family Affairs chair, DeBerry sought Court and bar assistance on guardian-ad-litem use and conduct in custody proceedings; the Tennessee Supreme Court adopted provisional Rule 40A.
February 17, 2009For
Source: tncourts.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2007, DeBerry sponsored HB 1757, allowing Shelby County to bring specified officials and employees under Tennessee Ethics Commission regulation; its companion became Public Chapter 161.
May 23, 2007For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 1997, DeBerry sponsored HB 513, the Tennessee Minority Business Councils Cooperation Act; its companion became Public Chapter 404.
June 20, 1997For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Healthcare Affordability
· 1 record
In 2020, DeBerry sponsored HB 2830, Cooper's Law, on hospital presumptive-eligibility application processing; it became Public Chapter 775.
July 22, 2020For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Public Safety and Crime Control
· 7 records
On August 12, 2020, DeBerry voted aye on final House passage of SB 8005, enacted as Public Chapter 3, revising criminal-offense provisions including penalties concerning rioting, obstruction, and state property.
August 12, 2020For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2019, DeBerry sponsored HB 1446 to authorize specified extreme-risk protection-order petitions; it was assigned to a House Judiciary subcommittee and did not advance.
February 13, 2019For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2017, DeBerry sponsored HB 837 to prohibit no-knock search and arrest warrants; it was taken off notice in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee in 2018.
January 31, 2018For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2015, DeBerry sponsored HB 57, the Racial Profiling Prevention Act; its companion became Public Chapter 335.
May 6, 2015For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2011, DeBerry sponsored HB 974, authorizing specified county-workhouse wage deductions to satisfy restitution judgments for victims; it became Public Chapter 261.
May 25, 2011For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2005, DeBerry sponsored HB 2082 on sexual exploitation and solicitation offenses involving minors; its companion became Public Chapter 496.
June 27, 2005For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2002, DeBerry's HB 170 to remove limitations periods for rape and aggravated-rape prosecutions was taken off notice in the House Judiciary Committee.
January 23, 2002For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Social Programs and Welfare
· 6 records
In 2019, DeBerry sponsored HB 866, expanding career and technical education programs to middle school; its companion became Public Chapter 366.
May 15, 2019For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2013, DeBerry sponsored HB 620, requiring an occupational diploma for students with disabilities; its companion became Public Chapter 422.
May 22, 2013For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2009, DeBerry sponsored HB 1105, establishing a parent's right to counsel at stages of specified juvenile-court proceedings; it became Public Chapter 417.
June 23, 2009For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2004, DeBerry sponsored HB 2859, setting an indemnification rate in certain wrongful-imprisonment cases; it became Public Chapter 880.
June 16, 2004For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2000, DeBerry sponsored HB 2591, creating a commission on responsible fatherhood subject to grant and private-contribution funding; it became Public Chapter 974.
July 7, 2000For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 1996, DeBerry sponsored HB 1419, creating a joint committee to study integration of ex-offenders into society; it became Public Chapter 901.
May 14, 1996For
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
General
· 3 records
On February 26, 2026, Action News 5 reported that the Tennessee Republican Party had endorsed DeBerry for the Shelby County mayoral primary.
February 26, 2026
Source: actionnews5.com · researched July 14, 2026
In 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly adopted HJR 623 honoring DeBerry's service and recording his roles including Democratic Leader Pro Tempore and Tennessee Black Caucus chair.
May 17, 2021
Source: capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
On November 30, 2020, Governor Lee appointed DeBerry as a senior advisor in the governor's cabinet, with the role to begin December 1.
November 30, 2020
Source: actionnews5.com · researched July 14, 2026
Elections
- Shelby County Mayor · August 6, 2026 · Shelby County, Tennessee
Profile last researched July 13, 2026.