Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

died · Tennessee · House May 13, 2025

HB 1164: Law Enforcement - As enacted, authorizes uniformed law enforcement officers to wear decorations, medals, service medals, and badges awarded to the officers by the armed forces of the United States, the Tennessee national guard, or the state guard during the week prior to Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and the day immediately following Veterans Day and Memorial Day. - Amends TCA Title 38 and Title 58.

HB 1164 allows uniformed law enforcement officers in Tennessee to wear military medals, badges, or service decorations earned from the U.S. Armed Forces, Tennessee National Guard, or State Guard during specific periods around Veterans Day and Memorial Day. This includes the week before, the holiday itself, and the day after each observance. The bill permits this temporary wearing, though employers may still prohibit it if they determine it poses a safety risk to officers or the public. The policy directly affects Tennessee law enforcement personnel during these designated holiday periods.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllows law enforcement to display military honors during Veterans Day/Memorial Day, recognizing veteran service through symbolic acknowledgment during official observances.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SJR 44: Memorials, Recognition - 1175th Transportation Company, Tennessee Army National Guard -

SJR 44 is a commemorative resolution honoring the 1175th Transportation Company, Tennessee Army National Guard, for their service during a 2023-2024 deployment to the U.S. Southwest Border. It specifically recognizes 125 soldiers who provided reconnaissance support under Federal Order RFA 2024, aiding U.S. Border Patrol operations in McAllen, Texas, while under the command of Captain Everett Miller and 1st Sergeant Cyrus Shores. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's gratitude for their "meritorious service" and "selfless commitment" to the nation and state. As a symbolic gesture (not a law with policy changes), it has no direct effect on individuals or policies beyond formal recognition. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor on March 4, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes veterans' service (125 soldiers) with gratitude, aligning with 'recognition' as a support indicator per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 24, 2025

HJR 561: Memorials, Death - Carl Elzia Levi -

HJR 561 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring the memory of Carl Elzia Levi, a Chattanooga public servant who dedicated over 50 years to city, county, and military service. It commemorates his roles as Chattanooga city treasurer, Hamilton County trustee, and U.S. Army/Army National Guard veteran (retiring as a brigadier general), and notes his 2019 armory naming in his honor. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and reflects on his legacy of integrity and public service. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a symbolic tribute.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors a veteran's military service (retired brigadier general) and legacy, directly recognizing veteran contributions as per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

died · Tennessee · House Jan 27, 2025

HB 97: State Employees - As introduced, defines "working day" for purposes of determining the military leave and compensation available to a state employee who is a member of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who is called to active military service. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 33.

HB 97 defined "working day" for Tennessee state employees who are reservists called to active military duty, specifying it as the number of hours an employee is scheduled to work in a 24-hour period. This change would directly affect state employees serving in reserve components of the U.S. military by clarifying how their military leave and compensation are calculated. The bill amended Tennessee Code § 8-33-101 to establish this definition, aiming to standardize the process for determining leave eligibility. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was withdrawn on January 27, 2025, and is no longer active.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentClarifies military leave compensation for reservist state employees, standardizing benefits and protecting their employment rights under labor standards.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies military leave/pay for reservist state employees, ensuring consistent compensation during active duty - directly supports veteran employment protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Employees National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1152: Licenses - As introduced, enacts the "Ola Mae Ransom Reintegration Act," which exempts veterans of the United States military, including the national guard and reserves, from payment of the $15 fee for a business license. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 67.

SB 1152, the "Ola Mae Ransom Reintegration Act," exempts Tennessee veterans of the U.S. military (including National Guard and reserves) from paying the $15 fee required for a business license. It directly affects veterans seeking to start or operate businesses in Tennessee, removing a financial barrier to entrepreneurship. The bill amends Tennessee law to explicitly state that veterans cannot be charged this fee for business licenses, effective July 1, 2025. This policy change aims to support veterans' economic reintegration by reducing costs associated with business licensing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts veterans from a $15 business license fee, providing tax relief for a specific group under state licensing fees.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts veterans from $15 business license fee, removing financial barrier to entrepreneurship and directly supporting veteran employment reintegration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education Veteran Employment Tags Licensing

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 24, 2025

SJR 372: Memorials, Retirement - Tim Vowell -

SJR 372 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Tim Vowell upon his retirement as an Air Force JROTC instructor at Clinton High School. It recognizes his nearly decade-long service to the JROTC program, his development of leadership-focused curriculum impacting over 1,200 cadets, and his 20+ years of military service with the Tennessee Air National Guard. The resolution also highlights his educational background, leadership roles, and community contributions. As a purely commemorative measure, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Tim Vowell's 20+ years of military service (TN Air National Guard), directly supporting veterans' recognition as specified in the topic.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 279: Military - As enacted, defines "working day" for purposes of determining the military leave and compensation available to state and local government employees who are members of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who are called to active military service. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 33.

SB 279 defines "working day" for Tennessee state and local government employees who are reserve military members called to active duty. It specifies that a "working day" means the number of hours an employee is scheduled to work in a 24-hour period. This change directly affects government employees serving in reserve components of the U.S. military when activated, clarifying how their military leave and compensation are calculated. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 8, Chapter 33, and became effective April 24, 2025.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentClarifies military leave and compensation for government employees, protecting employment rights during reserve service by defining 'working day' for leave calculation.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies military leave compensation for reserve employees, ensuring consistent pay during active duty, supporting veteran employment rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · House May 8, 2025

HB 114: Scholarships and Financial Aid - As enacted, makes various changes to the Tennessee Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 10.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded educational benefits for National Guard, increasing appropriations for scholarships and mandatory fee coverage under STRONG Act.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition coverage and fees for National Guard education benefits, increasing access and funding for higher education.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands tuition coverage to include mandatory fees and master's programs, increases credit hours, and speeds reimbursement for National Guard veterans' education benefits.95% confidence

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

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1468: Military - As enacted, designates the national guard armory in McNairy County as the "Brigadier General Donald F. Hawkins Army National Guard Armory." - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 1.

SB 1468 designates the Tennessee Army National Guard armory in McNairy County as the "Brigadier General Donald F. Hawkins Army National Guard Armory" to honor his 36-year military service, including his retirement as commander of the 30th Separate Armored Brigade. The bill amends Tennessee Code to rename the facility and requires the National Guard to install appropriate signage. It directly affects the physical designation of the armory building in McNairy County. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy or funding changes beyond the naming.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran's service via facility naming, directly recognizing military contributions as per bill's explicit intent to commemorate Brigadier General Hawkins' 36-year career.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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