Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

passed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SR 275: Memorials, Congress - Urges Congress to rename Dogwood Lane on federal property at Mountain Home VA the "Congressman Phil Roe Boulevard." -

This Senate Resolution (SR 275) urges Congress to rename Dogwood Lane at the Mountain Home VA medical facility to "Congressman Phil Roe Boulevard." It honors Rep. Phil Roe (Tennessee's 1st District, 2009-2021) for his service as Chair and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veteran Affairs and his legislative work on key veteran benefits laws like the Mission Act and Forever GI Bill. The resolution requests Tennessee's congressional delegation to introduce federal legislation for the renaming, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires congressional approval to name roads on federal property. This is a commemorative resolution, not a law that changes policy.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors Rep. Phil Roe for his legislative work on veteran benefits laws (Mission Act, Forever GI Bill) and service on Veteran Affairs Committee, recognizing his advocacy for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 1888: Cemeteries - As enacted, clarifies eligibility and required documentation for interment in state veterans' cemeteries for military service members and veterans, including certain members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, the army national guard, or the air national guard, and spouses and children of such service members and veterans. - Amends TCA Title 46, Chapter 6.

SB 1888 clarifies eligibility for burial in Tennessee's state veterans' cemeteries for military service members, veterans (including National Guard and reserve component members), and their spouses and children. It specifies that eligible veterans must have been honorably discharged after completing their service obligation, and requires specific documentation like NGB Forms, DD Forms, or discharge orders to verify service. The bill prohibits fees for burial for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children as defined by federal law. It ensures compliance with federal regulations to protect state veterans' cemetery funding.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies eligibility for burial in state veterans' cemeteries, prohibits burial fees, and specifies required documentation to ensure access to benefits for veterans and families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2026

HJR 721: Memorials, Retirement - Master Sergeant Rachel J. Wilson, U.S. Air Force -

HJR 721 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Master Sergeant Rachel J. Wilson upon her retirement from the U.S. Air Force. It recognizes her 20+ years of military service, including roles as a Cyber Systems Operations Craftsman with the Tennessee Air National Guard and deployments during operations in Iraq. The resolution formally commends her for distinguished service, specific career achievements, and numerous awards like the Air Force Commendation Medal. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on any policies or individuals beyond this expression of gratitude.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors specific veteran's service via non-binding resolution, aligning with recognition indicator but lacking policy impact75% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SJR 596: Memorials, Death - Harold Wayne Sellars -

SJR 596 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Harold Wayne Sellars, a Farragut resident and Vietnam War veteran who died in 2026. The resolution commemorates his military service (U.S. Air Force, 1964-1968), career as an investment advisor, community involvement (including roles with the Optimist Club and Vietnam Veterans of America), and lifelong commitment to family. It expresses condolences to his surviving wife, daughter, and grandson, and does not create new laws or policies. This memorial resolution is purely symbolic, reflecting the legislature’s recognition of Sellars’ contributions to his community.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors a Vietnam veteran's service through ceremonial resolution, recognizing military career and community involvement with Vietnam Veterans of America, aligning with recognition-based support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Tennessee · House May 18, 2026

HB 1914: Veterans - As enacted, authorizes state veterans' homes to provide services other than skilled nursing services to honorably discharged veterans. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 7.

HB 1914 amends Tennessee law to allow state veterans' homes to provide services beyond skilled nursing care to honorably discharged veterans, as permitted by state or federal law. This directly affects veterans who may need non-skilled care services, such as community support or transitional housing, at state facilities. The bill updates Section 58-7-101(e) to explicitly authorize these additional services while maintaining existing skilled nursing offerings. It also makes minor administrative updates to related sections regarding facility operations and contracts. The changes aim to expand care options for veterans without altering eligibility or funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands services at veterans' homes beyond skilled nursing, including non-skilled care like community support, improving access to supportive health services for veterans.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands authorized services at state veterans' homes beyond skilled nursing to include community support and transitional housing for honorably discharged veterans, strengthening access to non-skilled care options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 4, 2026

HB 1751: Special License Plates - As enacted, makes various revisions to law relative to license plates, including, but not limited to, creating new specialty earmarked license plates and cultural license plates, granting extensions to certain license plates, and making other related changes. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 4.

HB 1751 allows Tennessee residents holding memorial or military license plates to submit annual verification proof electronically instead of through traditional methods like mail or in-person visits. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 4, to authorize the Department of Revenue to accept digital submissions for confirming continued eligibility for these special plates. This change directly affects veterans, military families, and memorial plate holders who must renew their plate status yearly. The policy simplifies the verification process without altering eligibility requirements or plate benefits.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransStreamlines renewal process for military/veteran license plates, reducing administrative burden and supporting recognition of service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 1908: Appropriations - As introduced, makes appropriations for the purpose of defraying the expenses of certain legislative enactments passed during the 2026 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. -

HB 1908 allocates state funds for Tennessee's 2025-2026 budget, covering all state government operations including legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It specifically sets aside money from the Department of Transportation to fund highway or bridge memorials honoring service members killed in action, as designated by future legislation (per TN Code §54-1-133). The bill also acknowledges that memorial designations may result in lost revenue that would have been collected otherwise. This ensures funding exists when such memorials are approved, without altering existing rules for naming highways or bridges.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates state funds for government operations (2025-2026) and earmarks transportation funds for memorial highways, advancing budgetary funding as required by law.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates DOT funds for highway/bridge memorials honoring service members, directly using transportation budget for infrastructure-related purpose per TN Code §54-1-133.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill earmarks state funds for highway/bridge memorials honoring service members killed in action, directly recognizing veterans' sacrifice per TN Code §54-1-133.95% confidence

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

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 1961: Veterans - As introduced, enacts the “Tennessee Veteran Protection and Due Process Act.” - Amends TCA Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 58.

HB 1961, the "Tennessee Veteran Protection and Due Process Act," prohibits Tennessee state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in detaining or transferring veterans without specific safeguards. It requires police to screen individuals for military service and verify veteran status using documents like a DD-214 before honoring federal immigration requests. The law mandates that federal authorities must provide written certification confirming non-veteran status or VA verification, and transfers require a judicial warrant and proof that veterans' immigration options were considered. Veterans in state custody must also be informed of their right to military-experienced legal counsel and maintain access to benefits during proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement to verify veteran status before detaining, protecting civil rights in law enforcement interactions per bill's due process safeguards.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationLimits state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by requiring veteran status verification before detaining, protecting veterans from immigration enforcement without due process.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill protects veterans from wrongful immigration detention by requiring verification of veteran status and mandating federal certification for non-veterans, directly advancing veteran rights and due process.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 1635: Cemeteries - As enacted, clarifies eligibility and required documentation for interment in state veterans' cemeteries for military service members and veterans, including certain members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, the army national guard, or the air national guard, and spouses and children of such service members and veterans. - Amends TCA Title 46, Chapter 6.

HB 1635 clarifies eligibility for burial in Tennessee's state veterans' cemeteries, expanding access to include National Guard and reserve component members (such as Army or Air National Guard) who completed their service obligations, along with their spouses and children. The bill specifies required documentation for verification, including military discharge forms like DD-214 and NGB forms, and ensures the state accepts federal documentation standards. It also mandates that the state waive burial fees for eligible veterans, their spouses, and minor or dependent children. The changes aim to align Tennessee's policies with federal criteria while ensuring no disruption to federal funding for veterans' cemeteries.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands burial access for National Guard/reserve veterans and families by clarifying eligibility and documentation requirements, aligning with federal standards to strengthen benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 20, 2026

HJR 727: Memorials, Congress - Urges Congress to bring home the remains of the USS Intrepid sailors entombed in Libya. -

HJR 727 is a memorial resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation for the repatriation of thirteen USS Intrepid sailors' remains. The sailors died in 1804 during the Barbary War, and their burial sites in Libya (five in Tripoli's Protestant Cemetery and eight near Tripoli Castle) have faced desecration over centuries. The resolution requests Congress enact measures to exhume the remains, identify them if possible, and reinter them with military honors in a U.S. veterans cemetery or Arlington National Cemetery. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally asks Congress to act.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransUrges repatriation of fallen sailors' remains for burial in U.S. veterans cemetery, honoring service through proper recognition and military honors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition