NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Gov. Bill Lee signed into law Wednesday a measure that would require de-escalation training for security guard applicants.
Known as "Dallas' Law," the bill originated after the death of Dallas "DJ" Barrett as Whiskey Row in August 2021. Investigations revealed that unlicensed security guards handled Barrett within the bar during an altercation. When officers arrived, they found Barrett, 22, unresponsive on the floor of the rooftop. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide and determined his cause of death was asphyxiation.
"He won't be forgotten and prayerfully this will never happen to anyone in Tennessee again," his mother Tammy Barrett said to NewsChannel 5.
As written, the law has requirements for both unarmed and armed security guards. Both have to complete four hours of general training, complete de-escalation techniques and hold a current certification from the American Red Cross to render emergency aid.
"Today, my dream of making establishments on Lower Broadway safer for all patrons has been fully realized," Barrett said. "Now because of the courage of Gov. Lee, all unarmed security guards working in establishments that serve alcoholic beverages will be required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and required to be trained in deescalation techniques, emergency procedures, general duties and the limits of their power and authority."
Alexandra Kohen contributed to this story.
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