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SB 528

Veterans - As introduced, requires the bureau of parks and conservation to designate at least one day per year, instead of just one day per year, during which access to and use of all state parks, including campgrounds and golf courses, must be free of charge for all veterans. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Designates at least one annual free access day for veterans to all state parks and creates the Tennessee Competitive Appeal Program to fund veteran disability appeals via contingen

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 528

Summary of SB 528 (Session 114) — Tennessee

Note: The amendment described here reflects the version as amended and organized for current understanding, focusing on two distinct components within the bill package: (1) parks access for veterans, and (2) the newly named Tennessee Competitive Appeal Program for veterans’ disability appeals. The fiscal notes refer to the amended version (004894).

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Primary aim (Parks provision): Update and broaden the requirement that at least one day per year, previously designated for free access to all state parks, campground facilities, and golf courses for veterans, to designate at least one day per year for free access (expanding the concept to “at least one day” rather than a one-specified single day), with the Tennessee Bureau of Parks and Conservation administering this benefit.
  • Secondary aim (Appeals program): Establish the Tennessee Competitive Appeal Program within the Department of Veterans Services to provide legal representation for eligible veterans in certain appeals of disability benefit claims, contracted with a private law firm, and funded by contingent fees from benefits recovered (no upfront costs to claimants).

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Veterans’ Free Access to State Parks (TCA Title 58, Chapter 3)

  • The agency name referenced: Updates from “Division of Parks and Recreation” to the “Bureau of Parks and Conservation.”
  • Requirement: The bureau must designate at least one day per year during which veterans (and all users) have free access to and use of all state parks, including campgrounds and golf courses.
  • Scope: Applies to all state parks and related facilities.
  • Operational frame: The designated free-access day is managed by the Bureau; the method of designation is not limited to a fixed single date and may accommodate flexible timing each year.

B. Tennessee Competitive Appeal Program (New Section 58-3-115)

  • Establishment: Creates the Tennessee Competitive Appeal Program within the Department of Veterans Services (DVS).
  • Purpose: Provide legal representation for eligible claimants in appeals of veterans’ disability benefit claims.
  • Administration: DVS shall contract with a private law firm to represent eligible claimants.
  • Eligibility and participation:
    • Representation is limited to claimants whose appeals have been remanded by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) or appropriate VA appellate authority for further proceedings.
    • Eligible claimants are notified of the opportunity; participation is voluntary.
  • Financial terms:
    • The private firm bears all representation costs; the state does not pay attorney fees or expenses.
    • Compensation to the contracted firm is solely a contingent fee from benefits recovered for the claimant; no fee if no monetary benefit is awarded.
    • The firm may cover reasonable case-related expenses but may seek reimbursement from benefits awarded, to the extent permitted by law; no upfront expense requirement for claimants.
    • If no benefits are awarded, the claimant owes nothing and the firm bears expenses.
  • Client choice:
    • Claimants may decline representation and continue to use existing DVS services.
  • Firm qualifications (DVS oversight):
    • Firms contracting under the program must have: a Tennessee office; primary practice in veterans’ benefits law; at least 10 years of experience representing claimants before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in compensation claims; a principal owner or practice-group leader with appearances before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; and accreditation of their attorneys by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Veterans and their families: Benefit from free access to all state parks on designated days; potential improved outcomes and access to appellate representation in disability claims.
  • State parks and the Bureau of Parks and Conservation: Administrative responsibility to designate free-access days and implement the program.
  • Department of Veterans Services: Manages notification and oversight for the competitive appeal program.
  • Private law firms specializing in veterans’ benefits law: Eligible to contract with DVS to provide representation under the new program; compensation contingent on successful outcomes.
  • State finances: Intended to incur no additional net cost; fees for representation come from recovered benefits, not from state funds (per fiscal notes).

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: Upon becoming law (as suggested by the act’s language).
  • Scheduling: The parks provision requires designation of at least one free-access day per year; the amendment clarifies the “at least one day” approach rather than a fixed single date.
  • Legislative process: The bill has progressed through committee hearings and has an amendment (004894) establishing the competitive appeal program in addition to clarifying the parks provision. Fiscal notes indicate a “not significant” fiscal impact and that the program can operate within existing resources.

5) Fiscal Implications (Summary)

  • Parks provision: No significant fiscal impact anticipated; potential minimal foregone revenue from free access days, manageable within park operations.
  • Competitive Appeal Program: Not-significant or neutral fiscal impact; funded through contingent fees from awarded benefits; no upfront costs to claimants and no state funding required beyond oversight.

This summary covers the substantive content and potential impact of SB 528 as amended, focusing on clarity for readers seeking to understand the bill’s purposes, provisions, and practical effects.

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

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