Tennessee Senate Bill SB0473

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 5-8-102; Title 55, Chapter 4; Title 67 and Title 70, Chapter 2, relative to disabled veterans.

Impact

The legislation will also have a significant financial impact on disabled veterans regarding property taxes. The bill mandates that the state will reimburse these veterans for all local property taxes paid on their residences, alleviating a financial burden for those who are uniquely affected by service-related disabilities. Additionally, the act stipulates an exemption from registration taxes and fees for one vehicle owned by veterans with 100% disability status, further expanding the financial benefits available to them.

Summary

Senate Bill 473, also known as the 'Veterans Assistance for Livelihood, Opportunity, and Relief (VALOR) Act', aims to amend certain sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide enhanced benefits for disabled veterans. Notably, the bill allows veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability to obtain a permanent sport combination hunting and fishing license free of charge. This modification replaces the previous requirement of a nominal fee, simplifying access to recreational benefits for veterans.

Conclusion

Overall, SB0473 reflects a commitment to enhancing the livelihood of Tennessee's disabled veterans, facilitating greater access to recreational activities and financial relief. The effective date for these provisions will be January 1, 2026, allowing time for the necessary changes within state administration.

Contention

While the bill predominantly garners support for its intent to assist disabled veterans, there could be discussions regarding the fiscal implications on state budgets, especially concerning the reimbursement of property taxes. Critics may also raise concerns about whether the current provisions adequately address the needs of all veterans, particularly those with disabilities that do not meet the stringent 100% criteria established by the bill.