A sweeping package of 12 bills aimed at strengthening Alabama’s military infrastructure, supporting veterans, and ensuring continued investment in the state’s defense economy has been approved by the Alabama Legislature.
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who chairs the Alabama Military Stability Commission, praised the Legislature’s action and emphasized the long-term benefits of the legislation.
“Since taking office as lieutenant governor seven years ago, we have worked hard to anticipate and meet the needs of the men and women who currently wear a uniform, those who have previously defended the U.S.A., and the family members who love and support them,” Ainsworth said. “Passing these bills creates jobs, grows our economy, and protects Alabama’s military bases, but, more importantly, it fulfills what I believe is a moral obligation to support soldiers and service members of the past, present, and future.”
The Alabama Military Stability Commission developed the legislative package, which includes elected officials, cabinet members, and appointees from regions with significant defense presence. The commission is tasked with protecting and expanding the federal military bases and other Department of Defense infrastructure throughout the state.
Among the key bills passed:
- SB70, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones and Rep. Ed Oliver, establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center to assist transitioning service members with employment, education, benefits, and mental health services.
- SB200, also sponsored by Jones and carried by Rep. Chad Robertson, expands the use of Veterans Treatment Courts statewide and incorporates them into Alabama’s new Accountability Court system.
- SB59, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen and carried by Reps. Patrice McClammy and Kenneth Paschal, allows military families to use their military medical records to certify vaccinations for school enrollment.
- SB91, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley and carried by Rep. Jerry Starnes, strengthens the Military Planning Act by limiting the construction of tall structures near military installations.
- SB206, sponsored by Sen. Josh Carnley and carried by Rep. Kenneth Paschal, applies Alabama’s consumer protection laws to entities that prey on veterans seeking help with benefits, aligning state penalties with federal standards.
- HJR22, sponsored by Rep. Ben Harrison, expands the Purple Star Schools Program to include private schools.
- SB181, sponsored by Kelley and carried by Rep. Kenyatté Hassell, enrolls Alabama in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to ease occupational licensing for military spouses.
- SB61, sponsored by Sen. Nick Hatcher and carried by Rep. Mark Gidley, enrolls Alabama in the School Psychology Interstate Compact for the same purpose.
- SB104, sponsored by Sen. Robert Stewart and carried by Rep. Parker Moore, updates the membership of the Military Stability Commission.
- HJR66, sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, expresses legislative support for basing the KC-46A aircraft at the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham.
- SB179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan and carried by Rep. Cynthia Almond, makes updates to the Alabama Code of Military Justice at the request of the National Guard.
- SB198, also sponsored by Givhan and Almond, clarifies legal services provided by Judge Advocate Generals to a range of military and civilian personnel.
Ainsworth noted that Alabama has been a national leader in pro-military legislation, citing earlier efforts such as occupational license reciprocity for military spouses.
“Alabama was among the first states to pass legislation ensuring occupational licensing reciprocity for military dependents,” he said. “That means a military spouse who is licensed to practice in a specific job area in another state can also practice locally while stationed in Alabama.”
“These new laws continue our state’s momentum and reaffirm our commitment to the men and women of America’s armed forces,” Ainsworth added. “We will always do everything in our power to ensure Alabama remains the most military-friendly state in the nation.”
