Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 1888: Cemeteries - As enacted, clarifies eligibility and required documentation for interment in state veterans' cemeteries for military service members and veterans, including certain members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, the army national guard, or the air national guard, and spouses and children of such service members and veterans. - Amends TCA Title 46, Chapter 6.

SB 1888 clarifies eligibility for burial in Tennessee's state veterans' cemeteries for military service members, veterans (including National Guard and reserve component members), and their spouses and children. It specifies that eligible veterans must have been honorably discharged after completing their service obligation, and requires specific documentation like NGB Forms, DD Forms, or discharge orders to verify service. The bill prohibits fees for burial for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children as defined by federal law. It ensures compliance with federal regulations to protect state veterans' cemetery funding.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies eligibility for burial in state veterans' cemeteries, prohibits burial fees, and specifies required documentation to ensure access to benefits for veterans and families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2026

HJR 721: Memorials, Retirement - Master Sergeant Rachel J. Wilson, U.S. Air Force -

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors specific veteran's service via non-binding resolution, aligning with recognition indicator but lacking policy impact75% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

in committee · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 1635: Cemeteries - As enacted, clarifies eligibility and required documentation for interment in state veterans' cemeteries for military service members and veterans, including certain members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, the army national guard, or the air national guard, and spouses and children of such service members and veterans. - Amends TCA Title 46, Chapter 6.

HB 1635 clarifies eligibility for burial in Tennessee's state veterans' cemeteries, expanding access to include National Guard and reserve component members (such as Army or Air National Guard) who completed their service obligations, along with their spouses and children. The bill specifies required documentation for verification, including military discharge forms like DD-214 and NGB forms, and ensures the state accepts federal documentation standards. It also mandates that the state waive burial fees for eligible veterans, their spouses, and minor or dependent children. The changes aim to align Tennessee's policies with federal criteria while ensuring no disruption to federal funding for veterans' cemeteries.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands burial access for National Guard/reserve veterans and families by clarifying eligibility and documentation requirements, aligning with federal standards to strengthen benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

Track

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 1632: Naming and Designating - As enacted, renames the Army National Guard Armory located on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville the "CSM William O. Gregory National Guard Armory." - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 1.

SB 1632 renames the Army National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, to the "William O. Gregory Army National Guard Armory" to honor Command Sergeant Major William O. Gregory's 41 years of service in the Tennessee Army National Guard. The bill requires the Tennessee Department of Military to install signs or markers designating the new name using existing resources. This is a commemorative measure with no financial or policy changes beyond the naming and signage.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran service via naming, aligning with recognition indicator for support stance per bill's explicit purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1526: Naming and Designating - As enacted, renames the Army National Guard Armory located on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville the "CSM William O. Gregory National Guard Armory." - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 1.

HB 1526 renames the Army National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, to the "William O. Gregory Army National Guard Armory" to honor Command Sergeant Major William Gregory. The bill commemorates his 41 years of service in the Tennessee Army National Guard, including roles as First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major, before his retirement in 1992. It requires the Department of Military to install appropriate signage designating the armory with this new name. This is a commemorative act with no policy changes or direct impact on citizens or programs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran service via naming armory after Command Sergeant Major William Gregory, aligning with recognition indicators for support stance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

Track

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2051: Scholarships and Financial Aid - As introduced, adds Western Governors University as an educational institution at which an active member of a federally recognized unit of the Tennessee national guard may receive tuition reimbursement through the Tennessee Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act of 2017. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4.

SB 2051 adds Western Governors University (WGU) to the list of eligible institutions for tuition reimbursement under Tennessee's STRONG Act, which supports active members of the Tennessee National Guard. The bill amends the law to include WGU in the definition of "educational institution" for competency-based programs meeting specific criteria, such as regional accreditation, a Tennessee physical presence, and a state partnership. This directly affects National Guard members who wish to attend WGU and qualify for tuition reimbursement under the STRONG program. The bill does not change existing eligibility rules, credit limits, or academic requirements for the program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by adding WGU to STRONG Act tuition reimbursement for National Guard members, directly increasing financial aid options for higher education.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands tuition reimbursement eligibility under STRONG Act for National Guard members (veterans), directly strengthening education benefits through additional institution inclusion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

Track

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 294: Taxes, Exemption and Credits - As introduced, exempts from the sales and use tax the purchase of a motor vehicle that is registered in this state by a qualifying member of the Tennessee national guard; applies the sales tax exemption only to the first $15,000 of the sales price and only to one vehicle sold to such individual within a five-year period. - Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3.

SB 294 exempts qualifying Tennessee National Guard members from paying sales tax on the first $15,000 of a motor vehicle purchase, limited to one vehicle per five years. It applies only to vehicles registered in Tennessee and requires buyers to provide proof of active Guard membership and unit certification to sellers. The exemption covers sales tax on the vehicle's purchase price up to $15,000, not the full cost, and takes effect July 1, 2025. This directly affects Tennessee National Guard members purchasing new vehicles for personal use.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates sales tax exemption for National Guard, reducing state revenue. Weakens tax base by limiting collection, opposing fiscal strengthening.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides sales tax exemption for National Guard members, a military benefit directly supporting active service members (key subset of veteran community) by reducing vehicle costs, advancing veteran-related benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives National Guard & Reserve

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

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve