Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House May 2, 2025

HJR 674: Memorials, Recognition - Vietnam War, 50th anniversary of its end -

House Joint Resolution 674 is a commemorative resolution passed by Tennessee's legislature to honor the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (May 7, 2025). It recognizes the service of over 2.5 million Americans who served in the conflict and expresses gratitude to the 6.6 million living Vietnam War veterans for their sacrifices. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to veterans' contributions to national security and freedom. It was signed into law by Governor on May 2, 2025, following approval by both legislative chambers.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes Vietnam War veterans' service and sacrifices through commemoration, aligning with recognition-based support for veterans per topic description.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 279: Military - As enacted, defines "working day" for purposes of determining the military leave and compensation available to state and local government employees who are members of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who are called to active military service. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 33.

SB 279 defines "working day" for Tennessee state and local government employees who are reserve military members called to active duty. It specifies that a "working day" means the number of hours an employee is scheduled to work in a 24-hour period. This change directly affects government employees serving in reserve components of the U.S. military when activated, clarifying how their military leave and compensation are calculated. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 8, Chapter 33, and became effective April 24, 2025.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentClarifies military leave and compensation for government employees, protecting employment rights during reserve service by defining 'working day' for leave calculation.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies military leave compensation for reserve employees, ensuring consistent pay during active duty, supporting veteran employment rights.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 29, 2025

HJR 641: Memorials, Recognition - Cadet Kenneth Darden, CSM Darol Walker Award, Austin Peay State University -

HJR 641 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally congratulate Cadet Kenneth Darden, an Army ROTC student at Austin Peay State University (APSU), on winning the CSM Darol Walker Award. The resolution recognizes his military service (including 11 years of active duty, three deployments to Iraq, and multiple medals), academic excellence (3.7 GPA in leadership science), and leadership roles (captain of APSU's Ranger Challenge team, Homecoming King). As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly honors his achievements as a senior ROTC cadet who excels academically, militarily, and in extracurricular activities.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes veteran service (11 years active duty, deployments, medals) and academic leadership, directly aligning with recognition-based support indicators for veterans.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 1140: Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, makes changes relative to temporary group hunting event permits. - Amends TCA Title 58 and Title 70.

SB 1140 allows Tennessee's Fish & Wildlife Commission to issue free temporary hunting licenses to veterans with any service-connected disability percentage who participate in hunts sponsored by not-for-profit organizations. The license is valid only for the duration of the specific hunting event (maximum 7 days) and requires a Veterans Administration certification as proof of disability. This policy change directly affects disabled veterans seeking access to organized hunting opportunities without cost. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 70-2-104 (hunting regulations) and 58 (fish & wildlife commission authority), effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free hunting licenses to disabled veterans with VA certification, expanding recreational access and services for veterans.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 362: Veterans - As enacted, enacts the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act." - Amends TCA Title 47 and Title 58.

SB 362, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act," regulates third-party advisors helping veterans navigate benefit claims. It prohibits charging fees for referrals, bans upfront or nonrefundable fees, and requires written agreements specifying that compensation depends solely on increased benefits (capped at five times the monthly increase). Advisors must disclose that free government services are available and provide clear warnings against guaranteed outcomes. The law also mandates strict data privacy protections, banning international data centers, requiring background checks for staff handling sensitive information, and prohibiting access to veterans' login credentials. These provisions directly affect veterans seeking benefits and third-party advisors, while exempting VA-accredited representatives.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits exploitative fees for veteran benefit advisors, ensures transparency, and protects veterans from financial harm during claims process.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

passed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 25, 2025

SR 68: Memorials, Recognition - Women Veterans Appreciation Day -

Senate Resolution 68 designates June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day" in Tennessee to honor the service of women veterans. The resolution recognizes the contributions of over 40,000 women veterans in the state and aligns with a commemorative event hosted by the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation. This is a symbolic gesture without legal effect, acknowledging historical service from World War II through current military roles.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Women Veterans Appreciation Day to honor service, aligning with recognition indicators for support95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 24, 2025

SJR 435: Memorials, Recognition - U.S. Army Reserve, 117th anniversary -

This resolution (SJR 435) is a ceremonial measure to honor the U.S. Army Reserve's 117th anniversary on April 23, 2025. It formally recognizes the contributions of Army Reserve members - past and present - to national defense and democracy, specifically highlighting their role in Tennessee (with 3,500 soldiers and $158 million in annual economic impact). The resolution does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or groups; it serves solely as a symbolic acknowledgment by the Tennessee General Assembly. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or practical consequences.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes Army Reserve members' service (including veterans), matching support indicator for recognition.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 24, 2025

HJR 561: Memorials, Death - Carl Elzia Levi -

HJR 561 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring the memory of Carl Elzia Levi, a Chattanooga public servant who dedicated over 50 years to city, county, and military service. It commemorates his roles as Chattanooga city treasurer, Hamilton County trustee, and U.S. Army/Army National Guard veteran (retiring as a brigadier general), and notes his 2019 armory naming in his honor. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and reflects on his legacy of integrity and public service. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a symbolic tribute.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors a veteran's military service (retired brigadier general) and legacy, directly recognizing veteran contributions as per topic description.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 22, 2025

HJR 639: Memorials, Recognition - Master Sergeant Nicole Hanson -

HJR 639 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Master Sergeant Nicole Hanson, an aerospace science instructor for the Lebanon High School Air Force Junior ROTC program in Tennessee. It recognizes her 22-year Air Force service, her role in revitalizing the JROTC program (including winning the Air Force Junior ROTC Outstanding Instructor Award in her first year), and her personal sacrifices like a lengthy commute to continue teaching. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's appreciation for her dedication to students and community service. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or legal impact, it does not create new requirements or affect any laws. The resolution was signed into law by the Governor on April 22, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran's service and contributions to JROTC program, aligning with recognition as a support indicator for veterans.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2025

HJR 519: Memorials, Retirement - Officer Robert A. Jackson -

HJR 519 is a joint resolution honoring Officer Robert A. Jackson, Jr., the last officer of the Tennessee Capitol Police, for his over 30 years of service. Signed by the Governor on April 15, 2025, the resolution recognizes his military career in the U.S. Air Force and his distinguished law enforcement work, expressing gratitude for his dedication to public safety in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges his retirement through a ceremonial expression of appreciation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran's military service (USAF) and law enforcement career via ceremonial resolution, directly recognizing veteran contributions per topic definition.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans