Military and Veterans Affairs

SB 158 requires Alabama public high schools to set aside one school day each fall for military recruiters to administer the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test to students on campus. Participation in the test is voluntary, and schools must provide appropriate testing accommodations. This bill amends existing law - which already mandates schools grant military recruiters access similar to employers - by adding this specific annual requirement for the ASVAB. The policy becomes effective October 1, 2026.

HB 307 adds hiring preferences for military spouses in Alabama state employment by granting them five additional points on employment test scores. Specifically, spouses of active duty service members and spouses of veterans (honorably discharged) each receive five points, while surviving spouses of service members who died in action or spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities receive ten points. The bill also allows Alabama counties, municipalities, and private employers to voluntarily adopt similar hiring preferences for military spouses and veterans. These changes apply to employment tests and promotions within the state’s classified service, aiming to support military-connected individuals in job applications.

HB 323 revises and expands the system for awarding military honors to Alabama National Guard members. It updates eligibility criteria for existing awards like the Governor's Cross (for exceptional heroism) and Distinguished Service Medal, while creating new awards such as the Exceptional Service Ribbon for 30+ days of state emergency service. The bill also specifies that certain awards (e.g., Veterans Service Medal for 21+ years of service) must be presented by the Governor, while others (like the Faithful Service Ribbon for 6+ years) may be presented by the Adjutant General. These changes directly affect Alabama National Guard members by clarifying recognition pathways for their service and historical contributions.

This bill exempts individuals with permanent military, veteran, or Gold Star family status from having to recertify their eligibility every five years to keep distinctive license plates. Currently, Alabama law requires these individuals to renew their qualification periodically, but this change would remove that requirement for those whose status is permanent. The legislation applies only to the recertification process and does not alter the design, fees, or availability of the plates themselves. It aims to reduce administrative burdens for eligible veterans and families while maintaining the existing system for obtaining these special plates.

HB 362 revises the job duties for legal positions within the Alabama National Guard's Legal Services Office. It specifically clarifies responsibilities for roles including State Staff Judge Advocates, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and various Associate General Counsels. The bill details their duties in areas like military justice, contract and financial advice, legal training, and supporting military personnel matters. These changes affect only internal National Guard legal staff, not the public or external entities. The bill aims to streamline legal service delivery within the Guard's structure by updating role descriptions.