Veterans

died · Tennessee · House Jan 27, 2025

HB 53: Veterans - As introduced, declares certain actions by a person advising, assisting, or consulting on veterans' benefits matters for compensation to be an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce and to be subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977. - Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 58, Chapter 3.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRegulates paid advisors to prevent deceptive practices in veterans' benefits assistance, protecting veterans from exploitation and ensuring access to free government aid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8: Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires an annual training pay bonus supplement for eligible campus police officers and public safety officers in the amount of $800. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 38 and Section 49-7-118.

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates $800 annual bonus for campus police completing training, directly increasing compensation for eligible officers under Labor & Employment protections.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly ensures military-serving officers receive bonus for active duty, recognizing veteran service and supporting their benefits.90% confidence

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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

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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

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 1291: Scholarships and Financial Aid - As enacted, makes various changes to the Tennessee Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 10.

SB 1291 expands tuition assistance under Tennessee's STRONG Act for National Guard members by covering additional fees beyond tuition, including parking, technology, and library fees for both undergraduate and master's degree programs. It increases the maximum credit hour limit for eligibility from 120 to 130 hours, shortens the application deadline for reimbursement from 90 to 45 days after course completion, and adds a new ineligibility rule for members suspended from federal tuition aid. The bill directly affects Tennessee National Guard members pursuing higher education at public institutions. These changes streamline financial aid access while clarifying covered costs and eligibility requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands financial aid coverage for higher education by including additional fees and increasing credit hours, directly enhancing access to education for National Guard members.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCovers technology fees for educational access, directly funding tech-related expenses under tuition aid for National Guard members.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands STRONG Act tuition coverage to additional fees (parking, tech, library), increases credit hours, and streamlines reimbursement for National Guard veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Libraries Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2025

SB 530: Military - As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act." - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 1, Part 2.

This bill creates the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act," establishing a state program to reimburse Tennessee National Guard members for certain health insurance premiums. It specifically covers premiums paid for TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Dental coverage by eligible members who are Tennessee National Guard members and qualify for those programs. The military department will administer the program, with the adjutant general setting application rules, and it will not reimburse premiums already covered by federal government payments. The program requires separate annual appropriations by the legislature and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReimburses National Guard members' TRICARE premiums, directly supporting insurance coverage access for a specific group under healthcare topic.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransReimburses TN National Guard members for TRICARE premiums, directly funding healthcare access for military personnel eligible for veteran benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance National Guard & Reserve

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 276: Naming and Designating - As enacted, designates the National Guard Armory in Cheatham County as the "First Sergeant Charles Anderson Douglas National Guard Armory." -

SB 276 designates Cheatham County's National Guard Armory as the "First Sergeant Charles Anderson Douglas National Guard Armory" to honor his service. The bill directly affects the armory's official name and requires signage identifying it by that name. It is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or funding mechanisms, simply recognizing First Sergeant Charles Anderson Douglas's military service and advocacy for the armory's construction.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran's service via facility naming, aligning with recognition indicator under SUPPORT. No policy/financial impact, but directly recognizes veteran contribution.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 328: Parks, Natural Areas Preservation - As introduced, requires that veterans who are Tennessee residents be offered the same discounts at state parks at the same rates and with the same frequency as discounts offered to state employees at state parks. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 3 and Title 58.

HB 328 requires Tennessee state parks to offer veterans who are Tennessee residents the same discounts for activities, camping, lodging, and retail purchases as those provided to state employees. It specifically mandates a year-round 50% discount on camping and cabin fees for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (verified by the VA), subject to availability and reservations made within 30 days. Veterans must provide proof of residency and VA disability status to qualify for the 50% discount, while standard veteran discounts require only proof of veteran status and residency. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all state parks managed under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 3.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates 50% discount on park fees for veterans with 100% disability, expanding access to state park benefits and recognition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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signed · Tennessee · House May 7, 2025

HJR 698: Memorials, Recognition - Captain Larry L. Taylor American Legion Post 293 in Signal Mountain -

This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 698) honoring the newly formed Captain Larry L. Taylor American Legion Post 293 in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. It formally congratulates the post's officers and members on their establishment and recognizes the post's namesake, Captain Larry L. Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient and Signal Mountain resident. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly for the veterans' organization's service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes Medal of Honor recipient and veterans' post, aligning with topic's recognition indicator. Symbolic but directly addresses veteran service acknowledgment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Tennessee · House Jan 28, 2025

HB 172: Medical Occupations - As introduced, requires a person who is licensed to practice a healing art; who was an officer in the commissioned medical corps of the army, the navy, the air force, or the public health service of the United States; and who was subsequently discharged, instead of honorably discharged, to register with the appropriate board licensing that profession. - Amends TCA Title 63.

HB 172 requires military medical professionals who were discharged (but not honorably) from U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, or Public Health Service medical corps to register with Tennessee's licensing boards before practicing healing arts in the state. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63, changing the existing requirement for registration upon leaving military service to specifically include those with non-honorable discharges. The bill directly affects former military medical officers seeking to work in Tennessee healthcare roles. This policy change mandates registration as a condition for licensure, without altering existing requirements for those discharged honorably.

Topics ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransBill imposes registration requirement on veterans with non-honorable discharges for medical licensing, restricting employment in healthcare field rather than supporting benefits or services.85% confidence

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