The bill HB103 proposes comprehensive amendments to the Code of Alabama 1975 concerning the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on enhancing the structure, responsibilities, and services provided to veterans. Key changes include the deletion of Section 31-5-12 and the renaming of the "State Commissioner" to "chief executive officer of the State Department of Veterans Affairs." The bill updates the definition of a "veteran" to ensure it includes individuals who served honorably in various military branches. It also restructures the State Board of Veterans Affairs to include representatives from diverse veterans' organizations, promoting inclusivity in appointments based on racial, gender, geographic, and economic diversity.

Additionally, the bill establishes an executive director to oversee state veterans homes and introduces the Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund to manage operational expenses. It modifies the appointment process for veteran service officers, ensuring they are veterans with active duty experience, and allows for the establishment of service areas for better management of veteran services. The bill emphasizes the importance of cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies to secure additional services for veterans and their families, while also ensuring that all state veterans' facilities comply with health service regulations. Overall, HB103 aims to streamline operations and improve the support system for veterans in Alabama.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31-5-1, 31-5-2, 31-5-3, 31-5-4, 31-5-5, 31-5-6, 31-5-7, 31-5-8, 31-5-9, 31-5-10, 31-5-11, 31-5-13, 31-5-14, 31-5A-1, 31-5A-2, 31-5A-3, 31-5A-4, 31-5A-5, 31-5A-6, 31-5A-7, 31-5A-8, 31-5A-9, 31-5A-10, 31-5A-11, 31-5-12
Enrolled: 31-5-1, 31-5-2, 31-5-3, 31-5-4, 31-5-5, 31-5-6, 31-5-7, 31-5-8, 31-5-9, 31-5-10, 31-5-11, 31-5-13, 31-5-14, 31-5A-1, 31-5A-2, 31-5A-3, 31-5A-4, 31-5A-5, 31-5A-6, 31-5A-7, 31-5A-8, 31-5A-9, 31-5A-10, 31-5A-11, 31-5-12