Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts
Part 1 of 3
Nashville, TN – This Legislative Update is Part 1 of 3 regarding three bills passed this year by Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts.
Public Chapter 1039 – The legislation was sponsored by State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) and Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield). This bill was brought to the House and Senate sponsors by Gina Head-Heiber, mother of Tyler Head who was killed by an impaired driver in Clarksville on his way to class at Austin Peay State University.
Known as the Tyler Head law, it establishes a memorial sign program for the State of Tennessee. The program will memorialize innocent citizens that are killed by drunk and/or impaired drivers. The sign will be free to family members.“Gina Head Heiber, Tyler’s mother, wanted to help prevent future tragedies of this kind by highlighting the need to raise awareness through this very important legislation,” said Rep. Pitts (D-Clarksville).
The unveiling ceremony for the Tyler Head memorial sign was held on June 3rd, 2016 on Madison Street near the site of the fatal crash.
“I am grateful for Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, District Attorney John Carney, and State Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) for their participation at the unveiling ceremony. A very special thanks to Clarksville Police Chief Al Ansley and Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson for their police officers attendance and assistance in traffic control. I was so very touched by the long line of police cars and scores of police officers that lined Madison Street in honor of Tyler,” Pitts said.
The Head family was presented, by Representavie Joe Pitts and Senator Kerry Roberts, with a framed copy of the legislation as well as a replica of the actual sign installed.
I also want to send a special thank you to Austin Peay State University President Dr. Alicia White for agreeing to award an Associates Degree posthumously to Tyler. Dr. Rex Gandy, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, of Austin Peay State University presented Tyler’s diploma to his mother, Gina Head-Heiber.
On June 9th, 2016, the Head family also attended the Governor’s bill signing ceremony.
If you have questions about the above or other issues of concern, please call me at 615.741.2043, or email me at rep.joe.pitts@capitol.tn.gov