Veterans

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HJR 513: Memorials, Death - Alfred Bertram Cate, Jr. -

This resolution honors the memory of Alfred Bertram Cate, Jr., a Tennessee educator, coach, and Vietnam War veteran who taught history and coached at Memphis Central High School for 36 years. It commemorates his military service (including a Bronze Star), his coaching achievements (152 student-athletes receiving college scholarships), and his community contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a formal tribute to his legacy, expressing condolences to his family and recognizing his impact on students and the community. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or citizens.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors a Vietnam veteran's military service and legacy via memorial resolution, aligning with recognition as a supportive stance per topic description.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 1009: Taxes, Ad Valorem - As introduced, increases the amount of the reimbursement that is paid under the provisions for property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners from the first $175,000 of the full market value of the home to the first $250,000 of the full market value. - Amends TCA Section 67-5-704.

HB 1009 increases property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners in Tennessee by raising the home value threshold for tax exemption from $175,000 to $250,000. This change directly affects disabled veterans who own their primary residence, allowing them to qualify for relief on a larger portion of their home's market value. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-704, to update this threshold, meaning veterans with homes valued up to $250,000 will receive tax relief where previously only homes up to $175,000 qualified. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax relief for disabled veterans by raising home value threshold from $175k to $250k, reducing their tax burden per tax relief policy.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases property tax relief threshold for disabled veteran homeowners from $175k to $250k, expanding benefits under TCA 67-5-704.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

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

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 4, 2025

SB 780: 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.

SB 780 allows honorably discharged Tennessee National Guard members to receive a "veteran" designation on their driver's licenses. It amends Tennessee law to explicitly include National Guard veterans in the existing veteran designation program. To qualify, applicants must provide documentation such as a DD-256 discharge certificate or NGB Form 22 showing an honorable discharge. This change directly affects National Guard members who have completed service with an honorable discharge. The bill specifies the required documents but does not alter other license requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran recognition by adding National Guard members to driver license designation program with specified documentation95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

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

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 2, 2025

HB 756: Pensions and Retirement Benefits - As introduced, expands the period of peacetime military service of a member of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) that the member may purchase for creditable service in TCRS. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 34.

HB 756 allows Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) members to purchase credit for peacetime military service (since October 15, 1940) toward their retirement benefits. It directly affects current and retired TCRS members who served in the U.S. military during peacetime. The bill establishes a 1:1 credit ratio (one day of service for each day served), requiring members to pay 9% of their earnable compensation as contributions for the military service period. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change retirement eligibility or benefit calculations beyond this credit expansion.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands retirement credit for veterans' peacetime military service, directly advancing benefits under TCRS.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

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

Track

signed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 12, 2025

SJR 150: Memorials, Heroism - Tennessee Air National Guard 134th Air Refueling Wing, Distinguished Flying Cross -

SJR 150 is a ceremonial resolution honoring 11 specific members of Tennessee's 134th Air Refueling Wing (Tennessee Air National Guard) for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. It recognizes their actions during a combat air refueling mission supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on April 13-14, 2024, when they provided critical refueling under attack during an adversary offensive against Israel. The resolution formally commends their "exceptional aviation skills" and "devotion to duty" during this high-risk operation. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to publicly recognize the Airmen's service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veterans' service with Distinguished Flying Cross recognition, aligning with topic's recognition aspect per legislative resolution.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 12, 2025

SJR 147: Memorials, Recognition - Troop B, 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, first place, 2024 Sullivan Cup Competition -

SJR 147 is a commemorative resolution honoring Troop B, 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Tennessee Army National Guard) for winning first place in the 2024 Sullivan Cup Competition. The resolution specifically commends the four soldiers - Staff Sergeant David Riddick, Sergeant Joshua Owen, Specialist Noah Eddings, and Specialist Seth Carter - who led their team to victory as the only National Guard unit in the competition. They defeated ten teams, including six active-duty Army units and four allied teams, in the U.S. Army's annual M1 Abrams tank crew competition. The resolution was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes veterans' service by honoring a National Guard unit's competition victory, aligning with topic's 'recognition' policy area.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans