SB 1291 expands tuition assistance under Tennessee's STRONG Act for National Guard members by covering additional fees beyond tuition, including parking, technology, and library fees for both undergraduate and master's degree programs. It increases the maximum credit hour limit for eligibility from 120 to 130 hours, shortens the application deadline for reimbursement from 90 to 45 days after course completion, and adds a new ineligibility rule for members suspended from federal tuition aid. The bill directly affects Tennessee National Guard members pursuing higher education at public institutions. These changes streamline financial aid access while clarifying covered costs and eligibility requirements.
HB 114 amends Tennessee's STRONG Act to expand educational benefits for National Guard members. It explicitly covers mandatory fees (like parking, tech, and library fees) and master's degree program fees, in addition to 100% of in-state tuition. The bill increases the maximum credit hours for eligibility from 120 to 130 and requires reimbursement applications within 45 days of course completion. It also adds eligibility requirements, barring members suspended from federal tuition assistance due to academic issues. This law, effective May 2, 2025, directly affects Tennessee National Guard members pursuing higher education.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 698) honoring the newly formed Captain Larry L. Taylor American Legion Post 293 in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. It formally congratulates the post's officers and members on their establishment and recognizes the post's namesake, Captain Larry L. Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient and Signal Mountain resident. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly for the veterans' organization's service.
This is a resolution (not a binding bill), formally urging the U.S. Congress to enact legislation that would expand veterans' access to treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It specifically references the Veterans' National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act (H.R. 3649), which would fund pilot programs for therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy alongside counseling. The resolution does not create new policy but requests Congress adopt such legislation to improve veteran care. It directly affects veterans with TBI or PTSD by advocating for broader treatment options.
House Joint Resolution 646 designates May 13-24, 2025, as "Run for the Wall Week" in Tennessee. The resolution commemorates the annual Run for the Wall motorcycle event, which raises awareness about prisoners of war and missing in action personnel while honoring veterans. It specifically acknowledges the event's planned route through Tennessee, including stops in Cookeville (May 18-20) and Chattanooga (May 20-21), as part of its journey to Washington, D.C., and the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois. This ceremonial resolution has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition.
House Joint Resolution 674 is a commemorative resolution passed by Tennessee's legislature to honor the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (May 7, 2025). It recognizes the service of over 2.5 million Americans who served in the conflict and expresses gratitude to the 6.6 million living Vietnam War veterans for their sacrifices. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to veterans' contributions to national security and freedom. It was signed into law by Governor on May 2, 2025, following approval by both legislative chambers.
HJR 641 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally congratulate Cadet Kenneth Darden, an Army ROTC student at Austin Peay State University (APSU), on winning the CSM Darol Walker Award. The resolution recognizes his military service (including 11 years of active duty, three deployments to Iraq, and multiple medals), academic excellence (3.7 GPA in leadership science), and leadership roles (captain of APSU's Ranger Challenge team, Homecoming King). As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly honors his achievements as a senior ROTC cadet who excels academically, militarily, and in extracurricular activities.
SB 1140 allows Tennessee's Fish & Wildlife Commission to issue free temporary hunting licenses to veterans with any service-connected disability percentage who participate in hunts sponsored by not-for-profit organizations. The license is valid only for the duration of the specific hunting event (maximum 7 days) and requires a Veterans Administration certification as proof of disability. This policy change directly affects disabled veterans seeking access to organized hunting opportunities without cost. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 70-2-104 (hunting regulations) and 58 (fish & wildlife commission authority), effective July 1, 2025.
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.
Senate Resolution 68 designates June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day" in Tennessee to honor the service of women veterans. The resolution recognizes the contributions of over 40,000 women veterans in the state and aligns with a commemorative event hosted by the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation. This is a symbolic gesture without legal effect, acknowledging historical service from World War II through current military roles.
