John J. Deberry Jr.
Republican · TN
John J. DeBerry, Jr. is a marketing, advertising and public relations executive from Memphis, born in 1951. He is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and the University of Memphis.
Where John J. Deberry Jr. stands, based on their records
Supports
Healthcare Affordability (1 record), Government Efficiency (2 records), Public Safety and Crime Control (7 records),
Track record
Track record — Healthcare Affordability
Healthcare Affordability · 1 support
In 2020, DeBerry sponsored HB 2830, Cooper's Law, on hospital presumptive-eligibility application processing; it became Public Chapter 775.
July 22, 2020Supports Healthcare Affordability
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Track record — Government Efficiency
Government Efficiency · 2 support
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, 2009Supports Government Efficiency
Source: tncourts.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Sponsored a 1997 bill requiring Tennessee's minority business councils to use the same certification steps and fees and to honor each other's certifications. The companion bill became Public Chapter 404.
June 20, 1997Supports Government Efficiency
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 7 support
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, 2020Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
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, 2019Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
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, 2018Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Sponsored the Racial Profiling Prevention Act, aimed at stopping police from singling people out by race; the companion Senate bill became law in 2015 (House Bill 57, Public Chapter 335).
May 6, 2015Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
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, 2011Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
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, 2005Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
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, 2002Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Track record — Social Programs and Welfare
Social Programs and Welfare · 2 support
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, 2000Supports Social Programs and Welfare
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, 1996Supports Social Programs and Welfare
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Track record — General
General · 8 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
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
In 2019, DeBerry sponsored HB 866, expanding career and technical education programs to middle school; its companion became Public Chapter 366.
May 15, 2019
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
In 2017, DeBerry sponsored HB 188, changing how civil actions begin in general sessions court; its companion became Public Chapter 267.
May 11, 2017
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, 2013
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, 2009
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.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, 2007
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, 2004
Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · researched July 14, 2026
Past race John J. Deberry Jr. ran in:
- Shelby County Mayor · August 6, 2026 · Shelby County, Tennessee
Profile last researched August 7, 2026.