Veterans

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

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 4, 2025

HB 790: 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.

HB 790 amends Tennessee law to allow honorably discharged National Guard members to receive a "veteran" designation on their driver's licenses. It directly affects National Guard members who provide documentation like a DD-256 discharge certificate or NGB Form 22 confirming an honorable discharge. The bill adds National Guard members to the existing definition of "veteran" for license designation under TCA §55-50-354 and specifies the required documents. This change took effect on April 3, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly adds National Guard members to 'veteran' definition for driver license recognition, directly supporting state-level veteran service acknowledgment per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 473: Veterans - As introduced, enacts the "Veterans Assistance for Livelihood, Opportunity, and Relief (VALOR) Act," which exempts disabled veterans who have 100 percent permanent and total disability from a service-connected cause from the payment of certain taxes and fees. - Amends TCA Section 5-8-102; Title 55, Chapter 4; Title 67 and Title 70, Chapter 2.

SB 473, the VALOR Act, would exempt Tennessee veterans with 100% service-connected disability (verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) from paying certain fees and taxes. It removes the $10 fee for permanent sport hunting/fishing licenses, requires state reimbursement of local property taxes on a veteran’s primary residence, and eliminates vehicle registration fees for one private passenger vehicle, RV, or truck under 3/4 ton. The exemption applies to veterans who own and use their primary residence as their main home. The bill would take effect January 1, 2026, if enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts disabled veterans from multiple taxes/fees (hunting licenses, property taxes, vehicle registration), providing direct tax relief for lower-income veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts 100% disabled veterans from taxes/fees (hunting licenses, property taxes, vehicle registration), directly expanding financial benefits and support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 24, 2025

SJR 363: Memorials, Heroism - Specialist Ethan M. Ward and Specialist Brandon T. Moore, 2025 National Guardsmen of the Year -

This is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 363) honoring Specialist Ethan M. Ward and Specialist Brandon T. Moore of the Tennessee National Guard's 776th Maintenance Company. It recognizes their heroic actions during Hurricane Helene's 2024 response in Erwin, where they rescued six civilians from a flooded river after their vehicle overturned. The resolution formally congratulates them on being named the 2025 National Guardsmen of the Year and extends recognition for their bravery. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact - it serves solely to honor their service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFormally recognizes veteran service through ceremonial resolution honoring heroic actions of National Guard members, aligning with 'recognizes veteran service' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition