Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HJR 513: Memorials, Death - Alfred Bertram Cate, Jr. -

This resolution honors the memory of Alfred Bertram Cate, Jr., a Tennessee educator, coach, and Vietnam War veteran who taught history and coached at Memphis Central High School for 36 years. It commemorates his military service (including a Bronze Star), his coaching achievements (152 student-athletes receiving college scholarships), and his community contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a formal tribute to his legacy, expressing condolences to his family and recognizing his impact on students and the community. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or citizens.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors a Vietnam veteran's military service and legacy via memorial resolution, aligning with recognition as a supportive stance per topic description.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SB 1017: Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration - As enacted, authorizes issuance of a free distinguishing placard for eligible disabled veterans to be used in lieu of a distinguishing license plate for parking purposes; authorizes issuance of a distinguishing placard upon payment of the applicable fee for eligible disabled veterans who have been issued a free distinguishing license plate for parking purposes. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 21 and Title 55, Chapter 4.

SB 1017 allows eligible disabled veterans in Tennessee to use a free parking placard instead of a special license plate for parking purposes. Veterans who qualify for a free license plate under existing law (TCA § 55-4-256) may apply for a free placard, while those already issued a free license plate can obtain a placard by paying the standard $20 fee. The placard must be displayed as directed and can be used in place of the license plate when parking. This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects disabled veterans who currently receive free license plates or qualify for them.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free parking placards for disabled veterans, expanding access to convenient parking benefits without cost for eligible veterans per TCA § 55-4-256.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 4, 2025

SB 780: Driver Licenses - As enacted, authorizes an honorably discharged member of the national guard to receive "veteran" designation on driver license; specifies documentation that must be provided to receive such designation. - Amends TCA Section 55-50-354.

SB 780 allows honorably discharged Tennessee National Guard members to receive a "veteran" designation on their driver's licenses. It amends Tennessee law to explicitly include National Guard veterans in the existing veteran designation program. To qualify, applicants must provide documentation such as a DD-256 discharge certificate or NGB Form 22 showing an honorable discharge. This change directly affects National Guard members who have completed service with an honorable discharge. The bill specifies the required documents but does not alter other license requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran recognition by adding National Guard members to driver license designation program with specified documentation95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 1, 2025

HJR 332: Memorials, Recognition - Chief Warrant Officer 3 Phyllis Ann Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (ret.) -

This House Joint Resolution (HJR 332) is a commemorative resolution honoring retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Phyllis Ann Fitzgerald for her 21-year military service and subsequent civilian work supporting veterans. It specifically recognizes her roles as an intelligence analyst (including during Desert Shield/Desert Storm), her leadership as executive director of the Society of the First Infantry Division, and her community service in Kansas. The resolution formally commends her contributions during Women's History Month, highlighting her as a model of dedication and service. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors veteran for military service and work supporting veterans, specifically recognizing her leadership in a veteran organization. Direct recognition aligns with topic's recognition aspect.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 528: Veterans - As introduced, requires the bureau of parks and conservation to designate at least one day per year, instead of just one day per year, during which access to and use of all state parks, including campgrounds and golf courses, must be free of charge for all veterans. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 3.

SB 528 amends Tennessee law to require the Bureau of Parks and Conservation to designate **at least one free day annually** for all veterans at state parks, campgrounds, and golf courses - replacing the previous requirement of exactly one fixed day. This change directly affects **all veterans** in Tennessee who use state park facilities. The key provision shifts the requirement from a single, unchangeable day to a flexible annual designation, allowing the bureau to select one or more days as needed. The bill maintains that access and use of all state park amenities must remain free for veterans on the designated day(s), with no new costs or eligibility changes specified.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran park access from fixed to flexible free days, directly enhancing benefits without restrictions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 12, 2025

SJR 150: Memorials, Heroism - Tennessee Air National Guard 134th Air Refueling Wing, Distinguished Flying Cross -

SJR 150 is a ceremonial resolution honoring 11 specific members of Tennessee's 134th Air Refueling Wing (Tennessee Air National Guard) for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. It recognizes their actions during a combat air refueling mission supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on April 13-14, 2024, when they provided critical refueling under attack during an adversary offensive against Israel. The resolution formally commends their "exceptional aviation skills" and "devotion to duty" during this high-risk operation. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to publicly recognize the Airmen's service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veterans' service with Distinguished Flying Cross recognition, aligning with topic's recognition aspect per legislative resolution.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 12, 2025

SJR 147: Memorials, Recognition - Troop B, 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, first place, 2024 Sullivan Cup Competition -

SJR 147 is a commemorative resolution honoring Troop B, 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Tennessee Army National Guard) for winning first place in the 2024 Sullivan Cup Competition. The resolution specifically commends the four soldiers - Staff Sergeant David Riddick, Sergeant Joshua Owen, Specialist Noah Eddings, and Specialist Seth Carter - who led their team to victory as the only National Guard unit in the competition. They defeated ten teams, including six active-duty Army units and four allied teams, in the U.S. Army's annual M1 Abrams tank crew competition. The resolution was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes veterans' service by honoring a National Guard unit's competition victory, aligning with topic's 'recognition' policy area.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 10, 2025

SB 257: Local Education Agencies - As introduced, authorizes LEAs and public charter schools to employ retired law enforcement officers who are retired from a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency and honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces to serve as school resource officers on school premises; requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt policies to effectuate same. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49; Section 55-8-151 and Title 62.

SB 257 allows Tennessee local school districts and public charter schools to hire retired law enforcement officers (from federal, state, or local agencies) or honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as school resource officers (SROs) on school grounds. It requires school boards to adopt written policies outlining SRO duties, authority limits, and compliance with student privacy laws like FERPA. The bill also mandates that these SROs complete 40 hours of approved school policing training (at their own expense) and carry firearms on school premises per existing rules. This expands the pool of eligible SROs beyond current law enforcement officers while adding specific training and policy requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly enables veterans' employment as school resource officers, creating workforce opportunities and recognizing military service per SRO hiring criteria.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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