SB 1670 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Military - As enacted, recognizes the United States space force as a distinct branch of the United States armed forces by adding the space force to definitions and provisions related to the military. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 6; Title 8; Title 36; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 66.

SB 1670 updates Tennessee state law to recognize the U.S. Space Force as a distinct military branch by adding it to existing definitions across multiple statutes. The bill amends 15 sections of the Tennessee Code - including provisions related to military personnel, veterans' benefits, and uniformed service - to explicitly include "space force" alongside other branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This change ensures state agencies and programs (such as those handling military leave, vehicle registration for service members, and benefits eligibility) now formally encompass Space Force personnel. The bill does not alter rights or create new programs but aligns Tennessee's legal references with the federal establishment of the Space Force as a separate military branch.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Jan 15, 2026 Signed May 5, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
19
Key actions
7
Committee
3
May 5, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 77, Nays 11, PNV 0
lower
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 29, Nays 0
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bill Powers
Bill Powers
RRepublican
TN
22