HB 193 would exempt qualifying Tennessee National Guard members from paying state sales tax on the first $15,000 of a new vehicle purchase. The exemption applies to one vehicle per member every five years and requires proof of service and unit verification to claim. This change would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed, directly benefiting active Guard members purchasing vehicles in Tennessee. The bill modifies existing tax law to provide this limited tax break for military personnel.
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.
This resolution urges the U.S. Congress to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include veterans who received certain COVID-19 treatments (administered under Emergency Use Authorization before full FDA approval) and anthrax vaccinations as qualifying exposures under the PACT Act. It directly affects veterans exposed to these treatments during service, potentially expanding their access to VA healthcare and benefits previously reserved for those with toxic exposures like burn pits. The resolution also calls for Congress to investigate the military's administration of these substances, including whether they were given without proper consent or approval. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change VA policy but advocates for legislative action to address veterans' health concerns.
HB 828 directs Tennessee's Health Commissioner to study how to simplify career pathways for military medics (non-commissioned officers with medical training) to become primary care providers like doctors, nurses, or physician assistants. The study will identify bureaucratic barriers in current licensing rules, determine which military training counts toward state requirements, and suggest recruitment strategies. It must be completed using existing department resources and reported to lawmakers by December 31, 2025. This bill does not change laws directly but aims to inform future policy based on the study's findings.
SB 505 allows veterans facing criminal charges in Tennessee to request transferring their case to a veterans treatment court in a neighboring county (like Montgomery County, which has a population of 220,000-220,100 per census). It directly affects eligible veterans who qualify for veterans treatment court in the new county and must agree to waive their right to a jury trial in their original county. The transfer requires three conditions: the receiving court would have jurisdiction if the crime occurred there, the defendant signs a written waiver, and the district attorney general for the new county consents. This bill amends Tennessee law to expand access to veterans treatment courts across qualifying contiguous counties.
HB 812 would allocate 1% of revenue from Tennessee's sports gaming tax to the Department of Veterans Services for veterans' services. This new funding stream would be in addition to the existing 4% allocated to mental health services, meaning sports gaming tax revenue would now support both areas. The bill amends Tennessee Code to require this specific allocation, effective July 1, 2025. The primary direct beneficiary is the Department of Veterans Services, which would receive dedicated state funds for its programs.
HB 1108, known as the "Ola Mae Ransom Reintegration Act," exempts Tennessee veterans of the U.S. military (including National Guard and reserve members) from paying the $15 business license fee. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections 5, 6, 7, and 67 to remove this fee requirement for qualifying veterans. It directly affects veterans seeking business licenses in Tennessee, aiming to support their transition to civilian entrepreneurship. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 53 would regulate paid advisors who assist veterans with claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Tennessee's Department of Veterans Services. It requires written agreements that cap fees at five times the monthly benefit increase (if successful), prohibits upfront or nonrefundable fees, and bans guarantees of specific outcomes. The bill mandates clear disclosures that the service is not affiliated with government agencies and that free assistance may be available, while restricting how veterans' personal information is handled and requiring background checks for staff accessing such data. Violations would be subject to penalties under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, but the law does not apply to VA-accredited representatives.
HB 8 requires Tennessee colleges and universities to provide eligible campus police and public safety officers with an annual $800 cash bonus for completing required in-service training. The bill specifically applies to officers at Tennessee institutions of higher education who meet training requirements. It also ensures officers serving in the military during active conflicts (and missing training due to that service) receive the bonus. The provision takes effect July 1, 2025.
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.
