Veterans (Veteran Education)

HB 812 would allocate 1% of revenue from Tennessee's sports gaming tax to the Department of Veterans Services for veterans' services. This new funding stream would be in addition to the existing 4% allocated to mental health services, meaning sports gaming tax revenue would now support both areas. The bill amends Tennessee Code to require this specific allocation, effective July 1, 2025. The primary direct beneficiary is the Department of Veterans Services, which would receive dedicated state funds for its programs.

HB 53 would regulate paid advisors who assist veterans with claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Tennessee's Department of Veterans Services. It requires written agreements that cap fees at five times the monthly benefit increase (if successful), prohibits upfront or nonrefundable fees, and bans guarantees of specific outcomes. The bill mandates clear disclosures that the service is not affiliated with government agencies and that free assistance may be available, while restricting how veterans' personal information is handled and requiring background checks for staff accessing such data. Violations would be subject to penalties under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, but the law does not apply to VA-accredited representatives.

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.