Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 20, 2026

HJR 1315: Memorials, Recognition - Tennessee veterans -

This Tennessee House Joint Resolution formally honors the state's veterans for their military service and sacrifice to the nation. The measure expresses gratitude to veterans and their families, including spouses and those with service-connected disabilities, without establishing new legal requirements or policy changes.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally honors veterans and expresses gratitude, explicitly recognizing their service and sacrifice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2428: Veterans - As introduced, requires local governmental entities to invite honorably discharged veterans who apply for employment or promotion to interview; requires preference be given to such veteran if the minimum qualifications and the skills, abilities, competencies, and knowledge of the veteran and any another applicant being interviewed for the position are equal; requires state and local application forms to provide the option for an applicant to declare veteran status. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 51; Title 8, Chapter 30, Part 3 and Title 58, Chapter 2.

SB 2428 requires Tennessee local governments (like cities, counties, and departments) to invite honorably discharged veterans to job interviews and give them hiring preference if their qualifications match another candidate's. It also extends interview opportunities to spouses of veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability or died in military service. The bill mandates that all local government job applications include an option for applicants to declare veteran status. These provisions apply to all hiring for appointments or promotions within local government entities.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires local governments to give veterans hiring preference if qualifications match, extending to spouses of disabled/deceased veterans. Directly supports veteran employment access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2469: Veterans Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to submit a report on the total number of state and federal benefits, and a synopsis of each benefit, available to a veteran and the veteran's surviving spouse to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives on or before January 1, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 52; Title 68 and Title 71.

HB 2469 requires Tennessee's Department of Veterans Services to create and submit a comprehensive report by January 1, 2027. The report must list all state and federal benefits available to veterans and their surviving spouses, including a brief description of each benefit. This report will be delivered to the speakers of the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives. The bill does not change existing benefits but mandates this centralized information for legislative review.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates comprehensive report of existing benefits to improve legislative oversight and accessibility, facilitating future support without altering current benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 2305: Veterans Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to submit a report on the total number of state and federal benefits, and a synopsis of each benefit, available to a veteran and the veteran's surviving spouse to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives on or before January 1, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 52; Title 68 and Title 71.

SB 2305 requires Tennessee's Department of Veterans Services to create and submit a comprehensive report by January 1, 2027. The report must list all state and federal benefits available to veterans and their surviving spouses, including a summary of each benefit. This report will be sent to the Senate and House speakers. The bill directly affects veterans and their families by providing a clear, centralized resource on available benefits. It does not change existing benefits but mandates a formal inventory for legislative review.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires centralized report on all available veteran benefits to improve access and transparency, directly enhancing veterans' ability to utilize existing services without altering benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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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 · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 249: 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.

SB 249 requires Tennessee state parks to offer resident veterans the same discounts for activities, retail purchases, camping, and lodging as those provided to state employees. It also establishes a separate 50% year-round discount for camping and overnight cabin lodging for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, contingent on providing documentation of disability and Tennessee residency. Veterans must present proof of veteran status and residency to qualify for the standard discounts, and additional documentation is required for the 50% disability discount. The bill amends Tennessee law and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires state parks to offer veterans same discounts as employees and 50% disability discount, expanding access to benefits and recognition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Jan 15, 2025

SB 12: 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.

SB 12 increases property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners in Tennessee by raising the value threshold for reimbursement. The bill amends Tennessee law to change the reimbursement amount from covering the first $175,000 of a home's market value to the first $200,000. This directly affects qualifying disabled veterans who receive property tax relief under existing programs. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, for tax years beginning on or after that date. The amendment applies to all relevant sections of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases property tax relief for disabled veterans by raising reimbursement threshold from $175k to $200k, providing greater tax relief for qualifying homeowners.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases property tax relief for disabled veterans by raising reimbursement threshold from $175k to $200k, directly expanding financial benefits for qualifying veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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died · Tennessee · Senate Jan 23, 2025

SB 183: 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.

SB 183 would regulate for-profit advisors who assist veterans with benefits claims by requiring written agreements that payment is contingent only on a successful benefits increase (capped at five times the monthly increase) and banning upfront or nonrefundable fees. It mandates clear disclosures informing veterans that free services are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Tennessee’s veterans services, and that the advisor is not affiliated with those agencies. The bill also prohibits advisors from guaranteeing specific outcomes, using veterans’ personal login credentials, or processing sensitive data via international call centers without background checks for staff. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRegulates for-profit veterans' benefits advisors to prevent deceptive practices, mandates fee transparency, and directs veterans to free VA/Tennessee services, protecting veterans from exploitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 362: Veterans - As enacted, enacts the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act." - Amends TCA Title 47 and Title 58.

SB 362, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act," regulates third-party advisors helping veterans navigate benefit claims. It prohibits charging fees for referrals, bans upfront or nonrefundable fees, and requires written agreements specifying that compensation depends solely on increased benefits (capped at five times the monthly increase). Advisors must disclose that free government services are available and provide clear warnings against guaranteed outcomes. The law also mandates strict data privacy protections, banning international data centers, requiring background checks for staff handling sensitive information, and prohibiting access to veterans' login credentials. These provisions directly affect veterans seeking benefits and third-party advisors, while exempting VA-accredited representatives.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits exploitative fees for veteran benefit advisors, ensures transparency, and protects veterans from financial harm during claims process.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

in committee · Tennessee · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 52: 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.

HB 52, the VALOR Act, exempts Tennessee veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability from specific taxes and fees. It removes the $10 fee for permanent hunting/fishing licenses, reimburses property taxes on their primary home, and waives registration fees for one vehicle (passenger car, RV, or half/¾-ton truck). Eligibility requires verification of disability status through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting qualifying veterans who own homes or vehicles in Tennessee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemptions for disabled veterans (waiving fees/taxes), directly reducing their tax burden. This aligns with 'support' indicators of tax relief for vulnerable groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts 100% disabled veterans from taxes/fees on licenses, property, and vehicle registration, directly expanding financial benefits per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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