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Family urges safety planning for parks in Alyssa Lockett Safety Act; bill advances to finance
Summary
Family members of Dr. Alyssa Lockett urged the committee to adopt SB 1247 to require safety plans for parks and greenways after Lockett’s fatal attack on Mill Creek Greenway; the committee voted to move the bill to the finance committee by a recorded vote of nine ayes.
Sen. Yarbrough introduced SB 1247, the Alyssa Lockett Safety Act, calling for statewide standards and safety planning for parks and greenways. He asked the committee to hear from the Lockett family, who asked lawmakers to prioritize design and data‑driven safety measures for publicly funded trails and green spaces.
Abby Lockett, speaking for the family and the nonprofit Free to Move, described her sister’s October 14, 2024 attack on Nashville’s Mill Creek Greenway and urged lawmakers to ensure parks have safety plans and accessible design. "If passed, the Alyssa Lockett Safety Act would affirm Tennessee as a pioneer in establishing a nationwide standard for safer parks and greenways," she said.
Sean Lockett told the committee the murder of his sister imposed a large public cost and described the bill as a way to reduce future tragedies through prevention and planning; he said the act would establish a statewide safety plan for parks and greenways. After witness testimony and brief questions, the committee voted to refer SB 1247 to the finance committee; the secretary’s roll call recorded nine ayes and the bill moved forward.
