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SB 1090

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.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee law enforcement can wear military medals and decorations on uniforms during nine-day periods around Veterans Day and Memorial Day to honor military service.

Pub. Ch. 391
#lawenforcement
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Bill Summary · SB 1090

Legislative bill overview

SB 1090 permits uniformed Tennessee law enforcement officers to display military decorations, medals, and badges they earned from U.S. armed forces, the Tennessee National Guard, or state guard during a nine-day window surrounding Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 38 and 58 to allow this exception to standard uniform regulations.

Why is this important

Law enforcement uniforms are typically regulated to maintain professional standardization and prevent unauthorized insignia. This bill creates a narrow, time-limited exception that allows officers to publicly honor their military service during occasions specifically designated to commemorate veterans and fallen service members. It recognizes the overlap between military and law enforcement service while maintaining restrictions outside the designated periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Selective recognition: The bill only permits military decorations during two specific holidays, raising questions about whether military service should be honored year-round or whether this limitation adequately acknowledges veteran officers
  • Uniform standards: Some may argue that exceptions to uniform codes, even temporary ones, could undermine the professional consistency and authority conveyed by standardized police uniforms
  • Scope definition: The precise definitions of what qualifies as "decorations, medals, service medals, and badges" may create ambiguity in enforcement and could lead to disputes over which items are permissible

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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