Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House May 7, 2026

HJR 1569: Memorials, Recognition - Alexander Keith Chapter of the DAR, 100th anniversary -

This bill designates May 9, 2026, as "Alexander Keith Chapter DAR 100th Anniversary Day" in Tennessee to honor the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The resolution recognizes the organization's century-long history of preserving history, supporting veterans, and promoting civic duty within the community. By officially naming this date, the state acknowledges the chapter's volunteer efforts and its contribution to American heritage. The measure does not change laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal commemorative gesture.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill recognizes a veterans' service organization's century-long history of supporting veterans and preserving history, honoring their contributions.80% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · Tennessee · House May 7, 2026

HJR 1563: Memorials, Retirement - M. Kevin Knowles -

This House Joint Resolution honors M. Kevin Knowles for his retirement as Director of the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries. The bill formally recognizes his decades of public service, including his leadership in managing cemetery operations and receiving the Operational Excellence Award in 2023. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than enacting new laws or policies. The resolution is intended to be presented to Knowles as a token of appreciation for his contributions to the state and its veterans.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran services director for his contributions, recognizing his service to veterans.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · Tennessee · House May 7, 2026

HJR 1581: Memorials, Personal Occasion - Arnold Justice Wallace, 100th birthday -

This joint resolution honors Arnold Justice Wallace on the occasion of his 100th birthday. It formally recognizes his life achievements, including his service in World War II and his long career at the X-10 facility in Oak Ridge. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute and does not create new laws or change any policies.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes veteran service achievements, honoring WWII contributions and career dedication.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

passed · Tennessee · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 251: Memorials, Sports - Robert Malloy -

This Tennessee House resolution honors Robert Malloy for earning his 1st Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo and the title of "Sibak." The measure recognizes Malloy as a retired U.S. Army combat medic, a martial arts practitioner, and a community member who has demonstrated dedication and excellence. By passing unanimously, the House formally congratulates him on this achievement and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to him.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly honors a retired Army combat medic, recognizing his military service and achievements, which aligns with supporting veteran recognition.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 436: Taxes, Real Property - As introduced, revises the formula for calculating tax relief on real property owned by eligible disabled veterans so that in determining the amount of relief to such a taxpayer, the assessed value on the first $175,000 of full market value is to be multiplied by the ad valorem tax rate of the jurisdiction instead of by a rate that has been adjusted to reflect the relationship between appraised value and market value in that jurisdiction. - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7.

HB 436 modifies property tax relief for eligible disabled veterans in Tennessee. It changes how tax relief is calculated by requiring that the first $175,000 of a property's full market value (used as the veteran's primary residence) be multiplied by the jurisdiction's standard property tax rate - not an adjusted rate - when determining relief. This directly affects disabled veterans who own qualifying residential property, ensuring relief is based on the actual local tax rate applied to their home. The change applies to tax years beginning July 1, 2025, and simplifies the calculation method for local governments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases tax relief for disabled veterans by changing calculation to standard tax rate, reducing their property tax burden. This alignates with tax relief for lower-income groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases property tax relief for disabled veterans by using standard tax rate instead of adjusted rate, directly expanding financial benefit for qualifying veterans' primary residences.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

signed · Tennessee · House Feb 12, 2026

HJR 792: Memorials, Death - General Tom P. "Tommy" Thompson, Jr. -

This resolution commemorates General Tom P. "Tommy" Thompson, Jr.'s life and service to Tennessee, specifically honoring his decades of public service as a District Attorney General, military legal officer, and community leader in Hartsville. It expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions to criminal justice, rural electrification through Tri-County Electric, and his deep ties to Hartsville and surrounding communities. The resolution has passed both chambers and is awaiting the Governor's signature.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors military legal officer's service via memorial resolution, aligning with veterans' recognition under topic description90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2025

HB 524: Montgomery County - As enacted, permits a court to transfer, upon motion by the defendant, a criminal case to the veterans treatment court program in Montgomery County if the veterans treatment court program would have jurisdiction over the case if the offense had been committed in Montgomery County, the defendant files with the court a written waiver of the right to be tried by an impartial jury of the county in which the crime was committed, and the district attorney general for Montgomery County agrees to accept transfer of the case. - Amends TCA Title 16 and Title 40.

HB 524 allows eligible veterans facing criminal charges in Tennessee to request transferring their case to Montgomery County's veterans treatment court program under specific conditions. The bill affects veterans who meet the program's jurisdictional criteria (as if the crime occurred in Montgomery County), require a written waiver of their right to a jury trial in their home county, and have the Montgomery County District Attorney General agree to the transfer. Key provisions amend Tennessee law to permit this transfer process for contiguous counties with populations between 220,000-220,100 (based on 2020 census data), which Montgomery County satisfies. This creates a new procedural pathway for veterans to access specialized treatment courts instead of standard criminal proceedings. The bill became effective May 21, 2025, after Governor's approval.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables veterans' access to treatment courts, a rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform aimed at reducing recidivism through specialized programming rather than traditional punishment.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHB 524 creates a pathway for veterans to access specialized treatment court instead of standard criminal proceedings, promoting rehabilitation and support services for veterans facing charges.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2025

HB 479: Military - As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act." - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 1, Part 2.

HB 479 creates the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act," establishing a state reimbursement program for eligible Tennessee National Guard members. It directly affects Guard members who pay premiums for TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Dental coverage, allowing the state to reimburse them for those premiums if not already covered by federal funds. The program requires members to apply through the military department's guidelines, with reimbursement ceasing if federal assistance covers the same costs. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and requires separate state funding appropriations to operate.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransReimburses premiums for National Guard healthcare coverage, funding a key benefit for veterans' medical readiness95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 276: Naming and Designating - As enacted, designates the National Guard Armory in Cheatham County as the "First Sergeant Charles Anderson Douglas National Guard Armory." -

SB 276 designates Cheatham County's National Guard Armory as the "First Sergeant Charles Anderson Douglas National Guard Armory" to honor his service. The bill directly affects the armory's official name and requires signage identifying it by that name. It is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or funding mechanisms, simply recognizing First Sergeant Charles Anderson Douglas's military service and advocacy for the armory's construction.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran's service via facility naming, aligning with recognition indicator under SUPPORT. No policy/financial impact, but directly recognizes veteran contribution.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans