Veterans

SB 1348 removes an exception that currently allows certain individuals to carry handguns without a permit in specific locations. It deletes language from Tennessee law that previously exempted people who lawfully possess a handgun and are at least 21 years old (or 18 with military service) from being charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm while in a place they are legally allowed to be. The bill directly affects those who currently rely on this exemption, making it a criminal offense to carry a handgun in such settings without a permit. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

SB 223 requires military medical personnel who were discharged from the U.S. armed forces or public health service (other than honorably) to register with Tennessee's licensing board before practicing their profession in the state. This change affects veterans in medical fields (like doctors or nurses) who received non-honorable discharges and now seek to work in Tennessee healthcare. The bill amends licensing rules to mandate this registration step, ensuring these individuals meet state requirements before practicing. It directly impacts military medical professionals with specific discharge statuses, not all veterans or healthcare workers. The policy focuses on licensing compliance for this defined group, with no additional provisions or funding changes described.

This bill requires disabled veterans to provide documentation of their military service and disability to qualify for a property tax exemption. It directly affects disabled veterans in Tennessee seeking this exemption. The legislation amends Tennessee law to add this documentation requirement as a condition for eligibility. The exemption itself remains unchanged, but applicants must now submit proof of service and disability to claim it.

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.