On June 1st, a comprehensive package of 10 new laws benefiting active duty military members, veterans and their families went into effect.

The new law, passed by state lawmakers during the 2024 legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey and announced Monday by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, includes measures such as tax exemptions for deployed soldiers, improved education and job opportunities for military dependents and modernizing mental health services for veterans.

These laws, proposed by the Alabama Military Stability Committee, will further our commitment to be one of the most welcoming states in the nation for military members and their families and secure the state's military presence into the future, said Ainsworth, chairman of the committee.

“Improving the lives of the men and women who currently wear the uniform of our nation's military, those who have served and the families who support them has always been high on my list of priorities as lieutenant governor,” Ainsworth said.

“Our bill will provide tax relief for deployed service members, enhance education and career options for dependents of active duty military members, and implement guidelines that will make Alabama an even more welcoming state for those who serve in the military.”

RELATED: Alabama lawmakers celebrate Military Appreciation Day, vow to lead veteran-friendly state

Among the legislation enacted were tax exemptions for military pay earned by Alabama service members while deployed, mutual recognition of occupational licenses for dependents of military members, relaxed school enrollment and sports participation rules for children of military families, and initiated reforms and improvements to mental health services provided by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.

The full list of measures that have become law is below:

• HB103 (Law No. 2024 – 442) Modernizes the ADVA statute with technical amendments. Sponsored in the House by Assemblyman Kenneth Paschal and in the Senate by Senator Gerald Allen.
• HB251 (Law No. 2024 – 397) Allows military dependents to enroll in sports programs even if they fall outside of the normal enrollment cycle. State Rep. Chad Robertson has introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. State Sen. Andrew Jones has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
• HB284 (Law No. 2024 – 399) Provides uniformity and conformity with federal standards for the provision of benefits under the Alabama Veterans and Dependent Family Education Benefits Act. It was introduced in the House of Representatives by State Representative Jerry Stearns and in the Senate by State Senator Clyde Chambliss.
• SB135 (Law No. 2024 – 358) requires the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to address the behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans and to consider pilot programs to address gaps in behavioral services for certain veterans. It was introduced in the Senate by State Senator Andrew Jones. A companion bill was introduced in the House by State Representative Chip Brown.
• SB207 (Law No. 2024 – 366) Enroll Alabama in the Dietitian Interstate Compact and assist military members and their spouses in obtaining professional licensure. State Senator Kirk Hatcher has introduced the bill in the Senate. State Representative Mark Gidley has introduced a companion bill in the House.
• SB208 (Law No. 2024 – 298) Enroll Alabama in the Interstate Social Services Compact and provide professional licensing assistance to military members and their spouses. State Senator Keith Kelly has sponsored the bill in the Senate. State Representative Kenyatte Hassell has sponsored a companion bill in the House.
• SB209 (Law No. 2024 – 170) Exempts all military personnel from state income tax on overseas deployment pay and exempts National Guard and Reserve personnel from state income tax on in-state mobilization pay. State Senator Andrew Jones has introduced the bill in the Senate. State Representative Kenneth Paschal has introduced a companion bill in the House.
• SB210 (Law No. 2024 – 327) A bill would allow concurrent state and federal jurisdiction in cases where a crime committed by a minor on an Alabama military installation is also a state crime and federal prosecutors waive exclusive jurisdiction. State Senator Roger Smitherman has introduced the bill in the Senate. A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by State Representative Kenyatte Hassell.
• SB211 (Law No. 2024 – 328) Allows military dependents to enroll in special education services remotely and early if they relocate from out of state. It also requires parental notice and consent before making changes to a dependent's individualized education plan. State Senator Donnie Chasteen introduced the bill in the Senate. State Representative Patrice McClamy introduced a companion bill in the House.
• SB287 (Law No. 2024 – 329Modernize the Alabama Military Code at the request of the Alabama National Guard. State Senator Sam Givhan has introduced the bill in the Senate. State Representative Cynthia Almond has introduced a companion bill in the House.

Lt. Governor Ainsworth also noted that implementing the bill would provide assurances that the state's current military presence would be kept safe.

RELATED: Alabama Sen. Andrew Jones says state is working to make life easier for veterans, including tax exemptions and smooth school transitions

“Our federal military bases across the state play a vital role in our state's economy and jobs environment, so we are committed to maintaining and expanding their presence wherever possible,” Ainsworth said.

“With nearly every city, county and state in the nation competing to attract military infrastructure and the jobs and investment that comes with it, this package presents a strong and compelling argument to federal officials that the bases and assets currently operating in Alabama should remain in Alabama for years to come.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson