Gov. Ainsworth expressed appreciation for Alabama lawmakers after concluding his latest legislative session in Montgomery. In a post on X, he commended them for passing a series of bills aimed at supporting service members, veterans, and their families for years ahead.
Ainsworth highlighted that the new law would help fulfill Alabama’s “moral obligations” to its military community.
“Since I took office as lieutenant governor seven years ago, we’ve strived to anticipate and address the needs of those currently in uniform, veterans, and their supporting families,” Ainsworth said.
“These bills will not only create jobs and boost the economy but also safeguard military bases in Alabama. More importantly, they’re about honoring our moral duty to support both past and present service members.”
Officials assert the law aims to position Alabama as the most military-friendly state in the nation. The legislation comprises the following measures:
SB70 (Senators Andrew Jones and Ed Oliver) – This establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center, offering support to military members transitioning to civilian jobs through employment services, benefits, education, and mental health resources.
SB200 (Senators Andrew Jones and Chad Robertson) – This bill expands the implementation of statewide veteran treatment courts, integrating them into the new statewide accountability court system.
SB59 (Senators Donnie Chesteen and Representatives Patrice McCrammy, Kenneth Pascal) – This provision allows military families to use their current military medical records to confirm age-appropriate vaccinations when enrolling children in school.
SB91 (Senators Keith Kelly and Jerry Starnes) – This updates the Military Program Act to further restrict the construction of tall structures near military installations and clarify local governance.
SB206 (Senators Josh Karnley and Kenneth Pascal) – This adopts federal guidelines to guard against predatory practices from private firms assisting veterans with benefits, applying Alabama consumer protection penalties to violators.
HJR22 (Representative Ben Harrison) – This updates the Purple Star Schools program to allow private schools to partake in designated military-friendly initiatives.
SB181 (Senators Keith Kelly and Kenyat Hassel) – This registers Alabama with the Respiratory Care Intermediate Highway Compact, facilitating occupational license reciprocity for military spouses.
SB61 (Senators Nick Hatcher and Mark Gidley) – This involves Alabama in the School’s Interpsychological Highway Compact to support military spouses in obtaining reciprocal occupational licenses.
SB104 (Senators Robert Stewart and Parker Moore) – This renews Alabama’s membership in the Military Stability Committee.
HJR66 (Representative Ed Oliver) – This resolution expresses legislative support for the construction of KC-46A aircraft at the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham.
SB179 (Senators Sam Givhan and Cynthia Almond) – This updates the Alabama Military Justice Code at the request of the Alabama National Guard.
SB198 (Senators Sam Givhan and Cynthia Almond) – Also at the request of the Alabama National Guard, this clarifies judges’ advocate generals’ authority to provide legal services to the National Guard, civilians, and veterans.
