State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) this month was appointed to be a member of a bi-partisan committee handpicked by House Speaker, Beth Harwell, to research and analyze key issues surrounding the juvenile justice system.

Pursuant to Chapter 1057 of the public Acts of 2016, the Juvenile Realignment Task Force which Representative Sparks has been asked to be a part of, will study and analyze the problems facing the juvenile court system. By doing so, the task force can potentially introduce legislation aimed at helping juveniles facing criminal charges.

"I'm honored to be appointed to the task force," said Representative Sparks "I believe in reaching out to youth to try to help them make good decisions." The task force will be meeting at various times from now until the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes at the beginning of next year.

Representative Mike Sparks represents District 49, which includes part of Rutherford County.