NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, has introduced a number of legislative bills in the 114th General Assembly focused on supporting veterans and military families, protecting Tennessee’s natural resources, strengthening public safety and promoting responsible community development.
“My goal this session is to use practical problem solving to improve the daily lives of Tennesseans. Simply put, this means standing with our veterans and service members, protecting our natural environment for future generations and ensuring families are treated fairly and safely by the systems they depend on,” said Vital.
Supporting veterans:
Supporting veterans and military families must remain a top priority. House Bill 1801 provides a sales tax exemption on motor vehicle purchases for active-duty service members who maintain Tennessee residency but are stationed outside the state on military orders, ensuring they receive the same tax treatment as those based within Tennessee.
Prioritizing public safety:
Public safety and consumer protections remain another priority. House Bill 1061 protects patients from “no surprise billing” by limiting unexpected out of network ambulance charges and ensuring insurance cost sharing is applied fairly. Emergency ambulance services are required by law to respond to 911 calls regardless of a patient’s insurance coverage or inability to pay. With patients unable to choose their ambulance provider in the event of an emergency, and providers unable to select which insurance network to join for emergency calls, patients are left to pay the significant difference in cost between the total charge and the amount covered by the patient’s insurance plan.
In another effort to ensure public safety, Rep. Vital has sponsored House Bill 1168, which directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission (TAICR), to conduct an evaluation of autonomous vehicle technology in Tennessee. The study will assess autonomic vehicles in both private and commercial capacities, including interstate commerce, passenger support, and food delivery. The legislation requires assistance from all relevant state agencies and would provide the General Assembly with data-driven recommendation for future regulations pertaining to autonomous cars, trucks and pod vehicles.
Environmental conservation:
Rep. Vital also advanced legislation supporting Tennessee’s parks and conservation efforts. House Bill 1520 supports planned playground projects at Booker T. Washington State Park and Harrison Bay State Park to be completed using existing resources, which will improve accessibility and recreation opportunities for families. House Bill 1738 , which permanently designates the month of April as Tennessee Natural Plant Month, passed both the House and Senate in a unanimous vote. The bill recognizes Tennessee’s native plants and natural heritage, promoting conservation awareness across the state. House Bill 1738, which was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, will make this April the state’s first official acknowledgement of what will be an annual recognition.
Improving community accountability:
Additional legislation sponsored by Rep. Vital aim to strengthen emergency response and community accountability. House Bill 2521 updates background check requirements for firefighters. House Bill 2074 improves employment record and evaluation standards for law enforcement officers by requiring a public safety employer to grant an employee or prospective employee reasonable access to their full employment record, including the results of a mental health evaluation or screening.
The 114th General Assembly is expected to adjourn in late spring.
State Rep. Greg Vital represents District 29, which includes parts of Hamilton County. Rep. Vital serves on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Commerce and Transportation Committee, as well as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.
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