Making Life better for people in Tennessee

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State Representative Antonio Parkinson has been a driving force behind transformative public safety reforms in Memphis and across Tennessee. A decorated U.S. Marine veteran and retired firefighter, Rep. Parkinson brings a lifetime of frontline experience to his legislative work, giving him a unique and urgent understanding of what it takes to keep communities safe.

From landmark legislation like the Neighborhood Protection Act—which empowers residents to take action against crime-ridden businesses—to Kimberlee’s Law, which mandates full sentencing for aggravated rapists, Parkinson’s record reflects bold leadership and unwavering advocacy for justice.

In 2025, Rep. Parkinson led the passage of House Bill 1050, a powerful tool for community protection. The law allows businesses with three separate criminal incidents within 24 months to be declared a public nuisance, imposing fines between $1,000 and $50,000. Uniquely, these penalties are returned directly to homeowners and business owners in the same ZIP code—bringing restitution and deterrence together to uplift neighborhoods.

Addressing youth violence, he championed House Bill 7011, which makes it a criminal offense to illegally provide a firearm to a minor who later commits or threatens mass violence. He also co-sponsored House Bill 0322, which requires every school in Tennessee to implement detailed safety plans, conduct annual drills, and upgrade security infrastructure—creating a safer environment for students and educators alike.

Through House Bill 361, Rep. Parkinson expanded access to orders of protection in Shelby County by allowing criminal courts to hear such petitions in cases involving domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. This change streamlines the path to safety for vulnerable victims and ensures a faster, more responsive justice system.

Fearless, focused, and effective, Antonio Parkinson continues to lead the charge for stronger public safety laws, meaningful accountability, and real community protection—cementing his place as one of Tennessee’s most impactful and trusted public servants.

State Representative Antonio Parkinson is one of Tennessee’s most passionate and principled voices in the fight for high-quality, community-centered public education. A U.S. Marine veteran and former firefighter, Parkinson brings urgency, honesty, and real-world grit to education policy—calling out failed top-down reforms while fighting for solutions that respect local control and uplift students, educators, and families.

Rep. Parkinson has consistently defended the authority of local school boards against state-level overreach. While supporting public charter schools and school choice as part of a diverse education ecosystem, he’s made it clear: any expansion must be driven by local communities—not dictated by state bureaucrats or outside interests. He’s warned that removing control from local school boards disenfranchises voters, disrupts accountability, and erodes trust between parents and public institutions.

Parkinson’s record includes leading and supporting efforts to:

• Improve school safety and preparedness through co-sponsorship of HB0322, requiring all Tennessee schools to implement annual safety drills, secured entrances, and robust emergency protocols.
   
• Advocate for fair educator treatment through legislation like the Healthy Workplace Act, which combats toxic work environments for public employees, including teachers and school staff.
   
• Demand resource equity, pushing for state funding that prioritizes underfunded districts and at-risk students—not private management groups or politically driven initiatives.
   

He has also spoken boldly against policies that criminalize Black and Brown students, overemphasize standardized testing, and ignore the real needs of the classroom. His commitment is rooted in the belief that students succeed when their schools are safe, funded, locally accountable, and culturally grounded.

Rep. Parkinson is a compelling speaker and thought leader on the frontlines of America’s education debate. His powerful voice bridges community experience, legislative action, and unapologetic truth-telling—making him a must-hear presence for conferences, media platforms, and education forums nationwide.

As your State Representative, I am unapologetically committed to putting your tax dollars back where they belong-in your household, not in the hands of wasteful government systems or unchecked corporations. I believe every Tennessean deserves to feel the impact of their contributions-not just in potholes filled or schools funded, but in real, tangible relief that helps families build, grow, and thrive.

That’s why I sponsored and passed House Bill 1050, a game-changing law that does more than just punish nuisance businesses that attract crime—it puts money directly back into the pockets of citizens and business owners who live in the affected neighborhoods. Instead of funneling fines into state coffers, those funds are returned to the very ZIP codes where the harm occurred. That’s not just accountability—it’s economic justice for taxpayers.

I’ve also fought to cut wasteful spending and reject unfunded mandates that push the burden down to working families. When government grows bloated or inefficient, such as the wasted $2 billion on the failed state run Achievement School District, you pay the price—not just in dollars, but in missed opportunities. That’s why I’ve pushed for audit-backed oversight of public programs and greater transparency in state contracts, to ensure your money is never taken for granted.

And I don’t just fight to protect your income—I fight to grow it. I’ve consistently backed policies that expand access to good-paying jobs, support minority- and locally-owned businesses, and invest in real job training programs that prepare Tennesseans for careers—not just gigs. Because reducing tax burden means more than lowering rates—it means creating the kind of economic freedom where families can thrive without relying on broken systems.

I’m not here to protect the status quo. I’m here to return power—and dollars—back to the people who earned them.