TNVET 2026 Legislative Bill Updates/Reports Are Listed From Newest to Oldest
Legislative Update – Property Tax Reimbursement – 100% Disabled Vets – Feb 26, 2026
There have been two monetary issues that TNVET has brought to veterans attention on the property tax issue – 1)the property tax reimbursement program is short money to meet state law requirements and 2)vets in the program lose money due to the calculation method the state uses for determining the amount of reimbursement.
In a previous update, TNVET stated it had met with Gov. Lee in January to discuss these issues. Thus far, these are the results.
1) Gov. Lee added just enough funding to the basic program to get by one more year within his proposed budget. The program, which has been around since 1972, had been assigned a reoccurring source of revenue to operate over the years. That reoccurring source no longer adequately funds the program. Gov. Lee did not fix the long-term issue, but appears to have “kicked the can” to either the next governor or to the current state legislature to fix the long-term financial need.
2) Gov. Lee took no action to address the state’s method of calculating disabled veteran property tax reimbursements. The current process penalizes the eligible veteran/surviving spouse by reducing the state reimbursement just because they live in an area where the local property market value may be increasing.
TNVET will meet with the Legislative Veteran Caucus on March 4 to discuss these issues. Options appear to be: 1) having the Caucus address the issues with Gov. Lee to see if the budget can be adjusted, 2) if the Caucus cannot persuade Gov. Lee, then the legislature could take action on its own to adjust the budget accordingly, or 3) for the third consecutive year, after alerting Gov. Lee’s office and the state legislature to these problems, no corrective action takes place…..again.
TNVET will keep you posted.
——————————————————————————————–
Tennessee Legislative Veteran’s Caucus Meeting Minutes – February 11, 2026 – Published Feb 13, 2026
Meeting Overview
The Tennessee Legislative Veteran’s Caucus convened on February 11, 2026, at 7:30 AM in House Hearing Room 5. The meeting saw a strong turnout, with between 13 and 15 legislative attendees, reflecting increased engagement compared to previous gatherings.
Attendees
Non-Legislative Attendees:
Steve Singleton, TNVET Emeritus/Co-legislative TNVET lead on disabled vet property tax bill
Pete Roth, Special Forces Association
Legislative Attendees: 13-15 members present.
Opening
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Briggs.
Presentations and Legislative Updates
Presentations during the meeting were delivered by several legislators, including Senator Bowling, Representative Glenn, Representative Renea Jones, Senator Massey, and Representative Vital. Representative Crawford (disabled vet property tax bill sponsor) was not in attendance despite an attempt to reach him at his office.
SB2483/HB2143: Standards for VSOs
Senator Bowling and Representative Glenn provided a briefing on a bill intended to establish standards for Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). However, details were limited, and it remained unclear whether the bill targeted county VSOs or those veteran organizations assisting with disability claims.
SB1798/HB1687: Property Tax Exemption Increase
Representative Yusef Akeem discussed his bill to raise the property tax exemption from $175,000 to $200,000. It was noted that another bill sought to increase the exemption to $250,000. Although these initiatives are appreciated, they have been introduced repeatedly over the years, consistently receiving unanimous committee support but failing to advance past the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. As a result, these bills are seen more as symbolic gestures of support for veterans than as measures expected to become law, especially since they are not included in the budget.
SB0294/HB0193: Sales Tax Exemption for National Guard Members
Representative Jones briefed on a bill that would exempt from sales and use tax the purchase of a motor vehicle registered in Tennessee by a qualifying member of the Tennessee National Guard. The exemption would apply only to the first $15,000 of the vehicle’s sales price and would be limited to one vehicle purchased by such an individual within a five-year period.
SJR 0614: Veterans Lottery Resolution
A briefing was given on a resolution proposing the establishment of veteran lottery games, anticipating a constitutional change to allow such games. Senator Briggs, one of the sponsors, noted that he had previously declined to sponsor lottery or gaming bills for ethical reasons but decided to support this resolution due to its focus on veterans. Senator Bowling raised concerns about the potential revenue, pointing out that lottery and scratch card revenues have declined since sports betting was introduced in Tennessee. The general consensus was that there is a need for dedicated funding to support veteran programs.
SB 0651/HB 0436: Property Tax Exemption Formula
Attendees were briefed on bills aimed at removing the formula used to calculate the amount of property tax exemption for veterans. Handouts distributed included a summary of the governor’s briefing, comparative data on property tax exemptions in other states (24 of which offer a 100% exemption), and information on the decline in property tax exemptions in Montgomery County over a four-year period.
Challenges with the property tax exemption program this year include insufficient funding and the fact that Tennessee is the only state using the assessed value/market value formula, which reduces the benefit each year.
Strategic Policy Discussion
It was emphasized that the caucus and state legislators need to establish a strategic policy approach to veteran benefits. The discussion centered on whether veterans should be considered an asset to the state—contributing through retirement and VA benefits and providing workforce potential for new businesses—or viewed as a financial burden requiring no incentives to remain or relocate to Tennessee. Most neighboring states offer benefits comparable to or greater than those in Tennessee.
Additional Comments and Concerns
Senator Briggs briefly mentioned rumors about attempts to remove the disabled veteran (DV) property tax exemption, which would require a constitutional amendment. It was speculated that any such movement might originate from the Comptroller’s office.
At the close of the meeting, Senator Briggs also raised concerns regarding children of military and missionary families born overseas potentially lacking certain rights as naturalized citizens. He cited Senators Cruz and McCain as examples, questioning whether this was a state or national issue.
After the meeting, Representative Fritts expressed frustration with the lack of progress on the property tax issue and indicated plans to hold a press conference with members of both parties from the Veteran Caucus to draw public attention to the matter and prompt action.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with an expression of optimism about the renewed energy within the Veteran’s Caucus and their commitment to taking an active role in policy and funding decisions related to veteran issues, rather than being solely guided by the Governor’s budget.
Submitted by: Steve Singleton
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
TNVET Report: Legislative Meetings on TNVET’s proposed method/program to raise money dedicated to veteran needs/programs via a state lottery
Date of this Report: Feb 1, 2026, Updated Feb 11, 2026
Details:
TNVET is advancing the Tennessee Veterans Promise — a constitutional-resolution to allow veterans-dedicated lottery funding in Tennessee. Senator Richard Briggs has sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 0614 (SJR0614) to begin the constitutional amendment process. This is a resolution (not a bill) that would let Tennessee voters decide whether the legislature may authorize the state lottery to operate games dedicated to funding veterans’ services.
Current Status
Resolution: SJR0614 — Introduced (filed 01/21/2026); Passed on First Consideration 01/22/2026.
Fiscal Note: The State Comptroller’s Fiscal Review issued a fiscal note for SJR0614 (Jan 23, 2026) identifying no significant state cost associated with the resolution’s publication or processing.
See Fiscal Note, Resolution, History and actions via web link or QR Code above.
What the Resolution Does (High-Level)
SJR0614 proposes amending Article XI, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution to permit the legislature to authorize the Tennessee Lottery to develop and operate lottery games used exclusively as a revenue stream to fund veterans’ services, as later specified by the Legislature. The resolution authorizes the funding mechanism only — programmatic details and implementation would be developed through future legislation after voter approval.
Important guardrails:
This resolution does not raise taxes.
It does not divert or reduce educational lottery funds.
It does not use general fund dollars.
It simply permits a voluntary, voter-approved funding option for veterans.
Why This Matters
Tennessee is home to over 440,000 veterans and receives billions in federal veteran-related expenditures annually. Veteran Workforce Participation is 69%, 17,780 Veteran-Owned Business, with the Median Veteran Income over $40,000.
Over $7.1 billion Federal VA expenditures, $667 million TRICARE spending flow into Tennessee.
More than $4 billion in compensation and pension payments support veterans and surviving spouses.
Total veteran economic impact in Tennessee is estimated at $32.96 billion annually.
As veterans needs to grow and general fund pressures increase, this initiative creates a dedicated, voluntary, non-general fund revenue source to support services without competing with other state priorities.
Proven Model in Other States
Veterans-dedicated lottery funding is not new. Several states have successfully implemented similar programs:
Texas — Over $287 million raised since 2009 with $31.2M transferred in FY2025 alone.
Oregon — Voter-approved constitutional dedication of lottery proceeds generates approximately $28–30 million per biennium.
Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois — Collectively raised tens of millions through veteran lottery initiatives.
These programs operate without raising taxes and provide reliable funding for veteran services.
Recent Engagement & Next Steps
On Dec 18, 2025, TNVET Executive Board members and legislative coordinators Mike Rhew and Karen Reynolds met with Senator Richard Briggs, Senate Chair of the Tennessee Legislative Veterans Caucus, to discuss this initiative and secure Senate sponsorship. Senator Briggs agreed to sponsor Senate Joint Resolution 0614 (SJR0614).
On Jan 21, 2026, TNVET Executive Board member Mike Rhew presented the initiative to the Tennessee Legislative Veterans Caucus. Response was positive and the caucus leadership is seeking a meeting with the Governor’s Office to discuss veteran funding needs. TNVET has accepted invitation to join that meeting.
Constitutional amendment process: SJR0614 must pass two successive legislative sessions with an election in between (two General Assemblies), and then be placed on the statewide ballot, “the next general election in which a governor is to be chosen,” for voter approval (Article XI, Section 3). To place on the 2030 Governor election, SJR0614 must pass the 114th General Assembly this year and the 115th General Assembly in 2027. If successful through both sessions and the general election in 2030, detailed program design and implementation will be developed collaboratively by the Legislature, Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, TDVS, Tennessee Veterans, TNVET, and Tennessee Lottery Commission.
Bottom Line
The Tennessee Veterans Promise (SJR 614) allows Tennesseans to decide whether to establish a dedicated, voluntary funding stream to support veterans’ services. This disciplined, phased approach positions Tennessee to strengthen support for veterans while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Protects education funding
Preserves legislative authority
Requires voter approval
Follows proven national models
Creates long-term funding stability
To read the actual content of Senate Joint Resolution SJR0614, you may click on the bill number that follows. Note that if successful passage occurs through the Senate, the Resolution will then go to the House for its review and support. SJR0614
—————————————————————————————————————————-
TNVET Report: Meeting with Gov. Lee on Property Tax Reimbursement for Qualified Disabled Veterans
Date of Meeting: Jan 21, 2026 @ 3:30pm. Date of this report: Jan 26, 2026
Location: Gov. Lee’s Conference Room
Attendees: Gov. Lee, Rep Crawford, TNVET Chairman Joe Leur, TNVET legislative bill coordinators Bill Summers & Steve Singleton, and a member of Gov Lee’s office staff
Meeting Details:
Gov. Lee’s opening comments were his support of the military/veterans and the work they do, including the state National Guard. Gov. Lee mentioned he had just returned from visiting troops in Kuwait and Germany and had a greater appreciation for what we do. We then proceeded to the issues requiring a meeting with the governor. TNVET and Rep Crawford stated there were two issues, each connected with the other.
First, Gov. Lee was presented data by TNVET that showed what other states were doing as far as property tax reimbursements for qualified 100% disabled veterans and information that showed the numbers of Tennessee qualified disabled vets or the surviving spouses that were receiving the benefits in a county-by-county breakout with the associated dollar costs. We explained to Gov. Lee that all 50 states offer property tax reimbursements to such disabled veterans. We showed that almost half of the states offer programs that will reimburse 100% of the property tax to qualified 100% disabled veterans. There are also several states that, while not covering 100% reimbursement, offer higher amounts than Tennessee, in the range of $200,000 – $300,000. In addition, there are many states offering lesser amounts of reimbursement, but providing coverage to veterans classified as 50% disabled and even down to 10% disabled. Gov. Lee has stated a number of times during his administration that he wants Tennessee to be a home destination for veterans. The current Tennessee property tax reimbursement program is not one that competes well even in the southeast. States such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Virginia reimburse 100% of the incurred property tax. Kentucky is working legislation to cover 100% of the reimbursement costs.
Second, we informed Gov. Lee that, as currently operated, the property tax reimbursement program which provides $175,000 in property tax reimbursement to qualified 100% Permanent &Total (P&T) disabled veterans is financially broke. Unless the governor increases the dollar amount to support the program in his next budget, there will be insufficient funds to meet the requirements as directed in state law. The state law (TCA 67-5-704 (a)(2)) states “Such reimbursement shall be paid on the first one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000) of the full market value of such property.” A key word in the law is “shall”. “Shall” legally means the state must fund the program to meet the obligations as stated in law. If the law had used the word “may”, then the state would have had wiggle room to not meet that requirement. Last February the State Comptroller met with the State Senate Finance Committee and warned them that the program was going broke. So, Gov. Lee was informed that the state had a financial obligation to these veterans.
Third, and connected to the above funding issue of the current law, we told Gov. Lee we need to change the wording in the law to eliminate the use of “market value” in calculating the amount of reimbursement based on $175,000 and use only the county’s listed assessment amount. In TNVET’s research and as noted in numerous listings on veteran benefits by state, Tennessee is the ONLY state to use the latest market value of a property as a method to adjust the stated reimbursement….to the financial disadvantage of the affected disabled veteran. All other states will reimburse the disabled vet based on the county’s latest property tax assessment, which everyone uses to calculate their yearly property taxes payments. NOT Tennessee! In Tennessee, as the market value goes up, the state uses the percentage of increase as a subtraction/decrease factor in the amount to pay out. So, when the county does a property tax reassessment for a particular year, the tax value the county states for the property is considered to be in line with market value by the state. So, we have a one-to-one correlation in county assessed value and market value and the disabled vet will get 100% reimbursement of what a $175,000 provides. However, if the next year, property market values go up 20%, then the state reduces the reimbursement to the disabled vet by a similar amount….even though the county has not changed their assessed value. While counties may do property tax reassessments every 3-5 years and the disabled vets tax assessment stays the same during that period, the state ignores that and adds on each year’s market value increase to further reduce the amount the state has to reimburse that disabled vet. Between 2019 and 2024 there were disabled vets that saw a cumulative 40-60% decrease in the reimbursement amounts over those years. Thus, these disabled vets lost hundreds, possibly thousands between reassessment periods. We presented Gov Lee with an actual calculation sheet used by county tax Assessors/Trustees that showed a qualified disabled vet getting $1758.58 in state property tax relief in 2019 and by 2023 that amount was down to $1200.06. In that calculation the market value of property actually stayed the same in 2019 (year of the county reassessment) and 2020 (Covid and the economy).
We informed Gov. Lee that, based on a 2025 Tennessee Comptroller analysis, the elimination of the “market value” calculation would require an additional $6 million dollars to be paid to disabled vets to provide the true coverage of what a reimbursement of $175,000 means.
Rep. Crawford presented the bill and last year’s cost analysis to the Gov. Lee. Thus, Gov. Lee has our data and the legislation to look at and consider. The governor said he would look in to it. It was TNVET’s impression that Gov. Lee may not have been fully aware of some of the issues and impacts we presented that affect these disabled veterans and surviving spouses in this program, issues which TNVET is now into its third legislative year in working to help these disabled veterans.
TNVET wishes to express its gratitude to Gov. Lee for meeting with TNVET to discuss this issue and hopefully implement the suggested changes we presented. To read the language of the bill TNVET is supprtung through its legislative sponsors, click on the bill number show: HB0436
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————