Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2025

HJR 519: Memorials, Retirement - Officer Robert A. Jackson -

HJR 519 is a joint resolution honoring Officer Robert A. Jackson, Jr., the last officer of the Tennessee Capitol Police, for his over 30 years of service. Signed by the Governor on April 15, 2025, the resolution recognizes his military career in the U.S. Air Force and his distinguished law enforcement work, expressing gratitude for his dedication to public safety in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges his retirement through a ceremonial expression of appreciation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran's military service (USAF) and law enforcement career via ceremonial resolution, directly recognizing veteran contributions per topic definition.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 328: 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.

HB 328 requires Tennessee state parks to offer veterans who are Tennessee residents the same discounts for activities, camping, lodging, and retail purchases as those provided to state employees. It specifically mandates a year-round 50% discount on camping and cabin fees for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (verified by the VA), subject to availability and reservations made within 30 days. Veterans must provide proof of residency and VA disability status to qualify for the 50% discount, while standard veteran discounts require only proof of veteran status and residency. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all state parks managed under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 3.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates 50% discount on park fees for veterans with 100% disability, expanding access to state park benefits and recognition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SB 1017: Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration - As enacted, authorizes issuance of a free distinguishing placard for eligible disabled veterans to be used in lieu of a distinguishing license plate for parking purposes; authorizes issuance of a distinguishing placard upon payment of the applicable fee for eligible disabled veterans who have been issued a free distinguishing license plate for parking purposes. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 21 and Title 55, Chapter 4.

SB 1017 allows eligible disabled veterans in Tennessee to use a free parking placard instead of a special license plate for parking purposes. Veterans who qualify for a free license plate under existing law (TCA § 55-4-256) may apply for a free placard, while those already issued a free license plate can obtain a placard by paying the standard $20 fee. The placard must be displayed as directed and can be used in place of the license plate when parking. This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects disabled veterans who currently receive free license plates or qualify for them.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free parking placards for disabled veterans, expanding access to convenient parking benefits without cost for eligible veterans per TCA § 55-4-256.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 4, 2025

HB 790: Driver Licenses - As enacted, authorizes an honorably discharged member of the national guard to receive "veteran" designation on driver license; specifies documentation that must be provided to receive such designation. - Amends TCA Section 55-50-354.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly adds National Guard members to 'veteran' definition for driver license recognition, directly supporting state-level veteran service acknowledgment per topic description.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 1, 2025

HJR 332: Memorials, Recognition - Chief Warrant Officer 3 Phyllis Ann Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (ret.) -

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors veteran for military service and work supporting veterans, specifically recognizing her leadership in a veteran organization. Direct recognition aligns with topic's recognition aspect.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 528: Veterans - As introduced, requires the bureau of parks and conservation to designate at least one day per year, instead of just one day per year, during which access to and use of all state parks, including campgrounds and golf courses, must be free of charge for all veterans. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 3.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran park access from fixed to flexible free days, directly enhancing benefits without restrictions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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