Veterans

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.

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.

SB 528 amends Tennessee law to require the Bureau of Parks and Conservation to designate **at least one free day annually** for all veterans at state parks, campgrounds, and golf courses - replacing the previous requirement of exactly one fixed day. This change directly affects **all veterans** in Tennessee who use state park facilities. The key provision shifts the requirement from a single, unchangeable day to a flexible annual designation, allowing the bureau to select one or more days as needed. The bill maintains that access and use of all state park amenities must remain free for veterans on the designated day(s), with no new costs or eligibility changes specified.