Tennessee Military Legislation & Policies

Latest Status

MCCYN-PLUS: Tennessee Policy Implemented

Demographic Data

State residents include:

17,220 active-duty service members
9,171 active-duty spouses
16,135 active-duty children
26,420 National Guard and reserve members
12,783 National Guard and reserve spouses
18,847 National Guard and reserve children

Data source: DMDC, Dec. 31, 2023.

Samantha Sliney

Southeast Regional Liaison

Southeast Region

AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN

EMAIL

Ms. Sliney became Southeastern region liaison in 2024. Prior to joining the DSLO, she served as an attorney advisor for the Joint Special Operations Command and, for 10 years prior to that, as an active-duty judge advocate in the Air Force. Ms. Sliney currently serves as a JAG in the New Jersey Air National Guard. She is an Army military spouse and graduate of the North Carolina Central University School of Law.

State-Specific Progress on State Policy Priorities and Sub-Priorities

See the latest status on legislation and policies being advanced in this state on state policy priorities important to military families. Find quick access to this state’s regional liaison, along with demographic data for the military community in this state.

No Action
Bill introduced
Priority advanced
Policy Passed
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Medicaid Waivers

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Veteran Hiring Protection

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

03/09/2017HB-165

03/13/2017HB-165

03/22/2017

Protection for Private Sector veterans' Hiring Policies Final Legislation

A private employer may adopt an employment policy that gives preference in hiring to an honorably discharged veteran.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Purple Star Schools Program

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

02/01/2020

Purple Star Schools Program Final Legislation

The Tennessee Purple Star School Award is provided to military-friendly schools who display a major commitment to serving military-connected families and students. Applications available November 1 through February 1. Schools receiving the award will be announced the first Monday in April.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Military Spouse Teacher Certification3/3 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Expediting Applications

03/07/2022HB 2449

03/14/2022HB 2449

03/28/2022

Expediting Applications Final Legislation

When issuing a license to a military spouse, the department of education shall issue an educator's license that is equivalent to the license that the individual possesses in the other state.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Temporary Licensing

07/28/2017

Temporary Licensing Final Legislation

DoE - 5.502 expedites applications for military spouses, alleviating the need for a temporary license. See paragraph 1.g. in policy.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Improving Endorsements

03/07/2022HB 2449

03/14/2022HB 2449

03/28/2022

Improving Endorsements Final Legislation

When issuing a license to a military spouse, the department of education shall issue an educator's license that is equivalent to the license that the individual possesses in the other state.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Advance Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

04/09/2019

Advance Enrollment Final Legislation

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, As enacted, requires a board of education to allow a student who is the dependent child of a member of the United States armed forces and who does not reside within the boundaries of the school district to enroll in a public school within the school district under certain circumstances.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Service Member Licensure and Credit

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

03/16/2017SB-1232

02/25/2013SB-493

03/29/2017

Licensure and Academic Credit for Separating Service Members Final Legislation

Requires state institutions of higher education to develop and implement uniform procedures for awarding academic credit through course equivalencies for military education, training, experience, and occupational specialties

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Virtual School Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

In-State Tuition Continuity

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

02/20/2019HB 205

02/21/2019SB 242

04/03/2019

In-State Tuition Continuity Final Legislation

A spouse or dependent child of an active duty member retains in-state status for tuition if transferred out of state after acceptance to a university.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Pro Bono Representation

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Ask the Question Campaign

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

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Emeritus Priorities

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

Map Legend

Emeritus Priorities

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