Veterans

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

in committee · Tennessee · House Jan 28, 2025

HB 151: Taxes, Ad Valorem - As introduced, changes the reimbursement amount for property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners; increases the reimbursement amount from payment on the first $175,000 of the full market value of the home to payment on the first $200,000 of the full market value. - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7.

HB 151 increases property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners in Tennessee by raising the reimbursement threshold from $175,000 to $200,000 of a home’s full market value. This change directly affects qualifying disabled veterans who own homes, allowing them to receive tax relief on a larger portion of their property value. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7, to adjust the reimbursement calculation without altering eligibility requirements. The increase applies to tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2025. This is a concrete policy change focused on expanding existing tax relief for a specific group of veterans.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases property tax relief for disabled veterans by raising reimbursement threshold, providing targeted financial support through tax reduction.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases property tax relief for disabled veterans by raising reimbursement threshold from $175k to $200k of home value, directly expanding benefits per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 6, 2026

SB 966: Pensions and Retirement Benefits - As introduced, expands the period of peacetime military service of a member of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) that the member may purchase for creditable service in TCRS. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 34.

SB 966 expands retirement benefits for Tennessee public employees by allowing them to count peacetime military service toward their retirement credits. It directly affects current and retired members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) who served in the U.S. military after October 15, 1940, during peacetime. The bill establishes a 1:1 credit system (one day of retirement credit for each day of military service) requiring a 9% employee contribution based on earnable compensation at the time of claim or employment termination. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and modifies existing rules to include previously excluded peacetime service periods.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands retirement benefits for public employees by counting military service toward credits, directly advancing worker benefits under employment standards.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands retirement benefits for veterans by allowing peacetime military service to count toward retirement credits, directly improving veteran benefits.95% confidence

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 24, 2025

SJR 435: Memorials, Recognition - U.S. Army Reserve, 117th anniversary -

This resolution (SJR 435) is a ceremonial measure to honor the U.S. Army Reserve's 117th anniversary on April 23, 2025. It formally recognizes the contributions of Army Reserve members - past and present - to national defense and democracy, specifically highlighting their role in Tennessee (with 3,500 soldiers and $158 million in annual economic impact). The resolution does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or groups; it serves solely as a symbolic acknowledgment by the Tennessee General Assembly. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or practical consequences.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes Army Reserve members' service (including veterans), matching support indicator for recognition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

died · Tennessee · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 342: Veterans - As enacted, enacts the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act." - Amends TCA Title 47 and Title 58.

HB 342, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act," regulates paid advisors who assist veterans with benefit claims. It prohibits charging upfront or nonrefundable fees, guaranteeing specific outcomes, or receiving compensation for referrals, and requires written agreements that tie payment solely to actual benefit increases (capped at five times the monthly increase). The law mandates clear disclosures to clients about free services available through government agencies and sets data privacy rules, including background checks for staff handling veterans' sensitive information. Violations are treated as consumer protection law violations, with penalties paid to the state general fund, though VA-accredited representatives remain exempt.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits predatory advisor fees and mandates payment tied to actual benefit increases, protecting veterans from exploitation in claims process.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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failed · Tennessee · House Feb 18, 2025

HB 214: 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.

HB 214 allows Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to hire retired law enforcement officers (from federal, state, or local agencies) and honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as school resource officers (SROs). The bill requires school boards and charter school governing bodies to adopt written policies outlining SRO duties, authority, and privacy compliance, including adherence to FERPA and other privacy laws. It also mandates that SROs complete 40 hours of approved school policing training and specifies conditions for carrying firearms on school grounds.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly authorizes hiring honorably discharged veterans as school resource officers, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities in education.95% confidence

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passed both · Tennessee · Senate Mar 11, 2025

SR 44: Memorials, Personal Occasion - Zelma Hall, 108th birthday -

Senate Resolution 44 honors Zelma Hall, the oldest living woman World War II veteran in Tennessee, on the occasion of her 108th birthday. The resolution recognizes her service in the U.S. Army during World War II (constructing beds for pilots at Aberdeen Proving Grounds), her subsequent careers as a cosmetologist and nurse, and her lifelong fostering of over 500 children. This symbolic resolution, adopted by the Tennessee Senate, celebrates her contributions without creating any legal obligations or policy changes.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors WWII veteran's service and contributions through symbolic recognition, aligning with veteran recognition policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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