SB 651 revises how Tennessee calculates property tax relief for eligible disabled veterans who own their primary residence. The bill changes the formula so that tax relief is determined by multiplying the assessed value (25% of the first $175,000 of a home's market value) by the standard local property tax rate, rather than an adjusted rate. This change applies to tax years beginning July 1, 2025, and directly affects disabled veterans qualifying for this property tax exemption. The policy update simplifies the calculation method without altering the $175,000 property value threshold.
SB 681 would increase property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners in Tennessee by raising the taxable value threshold from $175,000 to $250,000. This change directly affects veterans with disabilities who own homes, allowing them to receive tax reimbursement on a larger portion of their home's value. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-5-704 to adjust this threshold, meaning more of a home's value would be exempt from property taxes under the relief program. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.
SB 249 requires Tennessee state parks to offer resident veterans the same discounts for activities, retail purchases, camping, and lodging as those provided to state employees. It also establishes a separate 50% year-round discount for camping and overnight cabin lodging for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, contingent on providing documentation of disability and Tennessee residency. Veterans must present proof of veteran status and residency to qualify for the standard discounts, and additional documentation is required for the 50% disability discount. The bill amends Tennessee law and takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 473, the VALOR Act, would exempt Tennessee veterans with 100% service-connected disability (verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) from paying certain fees and taxes. It removes the $10 fee for permanent sport hunting/fishing licenses, requires state reimbursement of local property taxes on a veteran’s primary residence, and eliminates vehicle registration fees for one private passenger vehicle, RV, or truck under 3/4 ton. The exemption applies to veterans who own and use their primary residence as their main home. The bill would take effect January 1, 2026, if enacted.
SB 368 removes a market value cap that previously limited property tax relief for disabled veterans in Tennessee. It requires the state to fully reimburse eligible disabled veterans for all local property taxes paid each year on their primary residence, instead of capping relief at a specific property value. This directly affects disabled veterans who own and live in their primary residence and qualify for property tax relief under Tennessee law. The change takes effect for tax years beginning July 1, 2025.
SB 2428 requires Tennessee local governments (like cities, counties, and departments) to invite honorably discharged veterans to job interviews and give them hiring preference if their qualifications match another candidate's. It also extends interview opportunities to spouses of veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability or died in military service. The bill mandates that all local government job applications include an option for applicants to declare veteran status. These provisions apply to all hiring for appointments or promotions within local government entities.
SB 966 expands retirement benefits for Tennessee public employees by allowing them to count peacetime military service toward their retirement credits. It directly affects current and retired members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) who served in the U.S. military after October 15, 1940, during peacetime. The bill establishes a 1:1 credit system (one day of retirement credit for each day of military service) requiring a 9% employee contribution based on earnable compensation at the time of claim or employment termination. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and modifies existing rules to include previously excluded peacetime service periods.
HJR 721 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Master Sergeant Rachel J. Wilson upon her retirement from the U.S. Air Force. It recognizes her 20+ years of military service, including roles as a Cyber Systems Operations Craftsman with the Tennessee Air National Guard and deployments during operations in Iraq. The resolution formally commends her for distinguished service, specific career achievements, and numerous awards like the Air Force Commendation Medal. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on any policies or individuals beyond this expression of gratitude.
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.
SB 505 allows veterans facing criminal charges in Tennessee to request transferring their case to a veterans treatment court in a neighboring county (like Montgomery County, which has a population of 220,000-220,100 per census). It directly affects eligible veterans who qualify for veterans treatment court in the new county and must agree to waive their right to a jury trial in their original county. The transfer requires three conditions: the receiving court would have jurisdiction if the crime occurred there, the defendant signs a written waiver, and the district attorney general for the new county consents. This bill amends Tennessee law to expand access to veterans treatment courts across qualifying contiguous counties.
