Bill > SB0652

This bill proposes to establish a monthly financial support system for retired canines that have served in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Specifically, when a correction department canine is retired due to age, injury, or other reasons, and is given to the care of a current or former department employee, that employee will receive $85 per month exclusively for the retired canine's medical care. The employee must maintain and submit medical records for the canine to the department by June 1 each year, and must notify the department within 30 days of the canine's death, at which point the monthly payments will cease. This monthly payment is additional to any other compensation the employee might receive, such as salary or retirement benefits. The bill is designed to provide ongoing support for service animals after their active duty, recognizing their contributions to the corrections department. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be funded through the department's existing budgeted funds.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0652&ga=114