Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 987: Aircraft and Airports - As introduced, exempts certain motor vehicles from parking fees at airports in this state if the vehicle displays a disabled veteran or military award license plate. - Amends TCA Section 12-10-109 and Title 42.

SB 987 exempts vehicles displaying specific military or disabled veteran license plates from paying airport parking fees at Tennessee airports. It directly affects owners of vehicles with qualifying plates, including those displaying Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Disabled Veteran, or similar military recognition plates, as defined in Tennessee law. The bill requires airports (non-federal authorities) to waive parking fees for these vehicles when operated by the owner/lessee or for transporting a disabled veteran. This change applies statewide to all Tennessee airports covered under the amended sections of Title 42. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts vehicles with disabled veteran/military recognition plates from airport parking fees, providing direct benefit and recognition of service to veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 31, 2025

SB 1348: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, deletes the exception to the criminal offense of unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to go armed for persons who lawfully possess a handgun, are in a place where the person is lawfully present, and are at least 21 years old or 18 years old with certain military service. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 1348 removes an exception that currently allows certain individuals to carry handguns without a permit in specific locations. It deletes language from Tennessee law that previously exempted people who lawfully possess a handgun and are at least 21 years old (or 18 with military service) from being charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm while in a place they are legally allowed to be. The bill directly affects those who currently rely on this exemption, making it a criminal offense to carry a handgun in such settings without a permit. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves exemption allowing permitless carry for certain handgun owners, expanding criminalization of firearm possession under existing law.95% confidence ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRemoves firearm carry exemption for military service members, restricting a recognized benefit under Tennessee law.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1393: Appropriations - As introduced, makes appropriations for the purpose of defraying the expenses of certain legislative enactments passed during the 2025 session of the 114th General Assembly; earmarks sufficient state funds for the purpose of funding any bill naming a highway or bridge in honor of a service member killed in action. -

This bill sets aside state funds from the Department of Transportation to cover costs when the legislature names highways or bridges in honor of service members killed in action. It directly affects the state's transportation department and the legislative process for honoring military personnel through future bills. The funding is specifically allocated for any 2025 legislative bill or resolution designating such memorials, ensuring these honors can be implemented without additional budget costs. The bill also acknowledges potential revenue losses from similar legislative actions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates existing state funds for highway/bridge memorials honoring service members, ensuring no additional budget cost and promoting fiscal responsibility through pre-funded appropriations.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates DOT funds for naming highways/bridges (transportation infrastructure) in honor of service members, directly funding a transportation-related administrative task.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates state funds to name highways/bridges in honor of service members killed in action, directly recognizing military service per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding Memorials & Recognition

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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

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 294: Taxes, Exemption and Credits - As introduced, exempts from the sales and use tax the purchase of a motor vehicle that is registered in this state by a qualifying member of the Tennessee national guard; applies the sales tax exemption only to the first $15,000 of the sales price and only to one vehicle sold to such individual within a five-year period. - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3.

SB 294 exempts qualifying Tennessee National Guard members from paying sales tax on the first $15,000 of a motor vehicle purchase, limited to one vehicle per five years. It applies only to vehicles registered in Tennessee and requires buyers to provide proof of active Guard membership and unit certification to sellers. The exemption covers sales tax on the vehicle's purchase price up to $15,000, not the full cost, and takes effect July 1, 2025. This directly affects Tennessee National Guard members purchasing new vehicles for personal use.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates sales tax exemption for National Guard, reducing state revenue. Weakens tax base by limiting collection, opposing fiscal strengthening.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides sales tax exemption for National Guard members, a military benefit directly supporting active service members (key subset of veteran community) by reducing vehicle costs, advancing veteran-related benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 1188: Lottery, Scholarships and Programs - As introduced, expands eligibility for a helping heroes grant to include veterans who have received any medal authorized by congress for the armed forces of the United States that is awarded for combat or heroism; allows eligible veterans to receive a helping heroes grant in pursuit of a certificate at an eligible postsecondary institution. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4.

SB 1188 expands Tennessee's "Helping Heroes Grant" to include veterans who received any U.S. combat or heroism medal authorized by Congress, broadening eligibility beyond previous criteria. It allows these veterans to use the grant for certificate programs at eligible colleges or universities, not just degree programs. The bill removes prior restrictions requiring recipients to pursue associate or bachelor's degrees, instead explicitly permitting certificate training. This change applies to the 2025-2026 academic year and future terms.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for veterans by broadening scholarship eligibility to include certificate programs at postsecondary institutions, removing prior degree restrictions.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands eligibility for veterans' education grant to include combat/heroism medal recipients and allows certificate programs, directly broadening benefits beyond prior restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

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signed · Tennessee · House May 8, 2025

HB 683: Private Protective Services - As enacted, creates the enhanced armed guard registration that may be obtained upon completion of certain training and other requirements by an armed security guard/officer who has at least five years of full-time experience as a law enforcement officer or four years of active duty military experience in a combat arms military occupational specialty; directs the commissioner of commerce and insurance to approve an enhanced armed guard training course. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 39 and Title 62, Chapter 35.

HB 683 creates a new "enhanced armed guard" certification in Tennessee for security guards with qualifying backgrounds. It directly affects security officers who have at least five years as a law enforcement officer (or four years in combat military service), requiring them to complete approved 16-hour training covering rifle deployment scenarios and secure storage. The bill allows certified guards to carry rifle-caliber weapons only when a legitimate threat exists, with strict rules on storage and annual background checks for renewal. This policy change modifies existing law to establish new standards for weapon-carrying security personnel under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 35.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly allows veterans with 4+ years combat military service to qualify for enhanced security guard certification, supporting veteran employment transition.95% confidence

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 775: Taxes, Ad Valorem - As introduced, requires 10 percent of the excess proceeds from a delinquent property tax sale to be used for tax relief for homeowners who are elderly low-income, disabled, or a disabled veteran or widow of a disabled veteran. - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 5.

SB 775 requires that 10% of excess proceeds from delinquent property tax sales in Tennessee be allocated to provide tax relief for specific homeowners. It directly affects elderly low-income residents, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, and widows of disabled veterans. The bill amends tax code provisions to mandate this funding shift, directing the 10% toward a new relief program under Chapter 5 of Title 67. This policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, creating a dedicated funding source for targeted property tax assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects 10% of delinquent property tax sale proceeds to fund tax relief for elderly low-income/disabled veterans, advancing fiscal support for vulnerable populations via dedicated budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRedirects 10% of tax sale proceeds to fund property tax relief for vulnerable homeowners (elderly low-income, disabled, veterans), preventing displacement and supporting housing affordability.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly allocates 10% of property tax sale proceeds for tax relief for disabled veterans and widows of disabled veterans, directly funding veteran benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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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

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2025

HB 479: Military - As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act." - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 1, Part 2.

HB 479 creates the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act," establishing a state reimbursement program for eligible Tennessee National Guard members. It directly affects Guard members who pay premiums for TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Dental coverage, allowing the state to reimburse them for those premiums if not already covered by federal funds. The program requires members to apply through the military department's guidelines, with reimbursement ceasing if federal assistance covers the same costs. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and requires separate state funding appropriations to operate.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransReimburses premiums for National Guard healthcare coverage, funding a key benefit for veterans' medical readiness95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve