House Bill 103 (HB103) Enrolled is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to update and amend various sections of the Code of Alabama 1975 related to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill introduces changes such as the renaming of professional employee positions, the appointment of an executive director to oversee state veterans homes, and the modernization of language to reflect current definitions and practices. It includes insertions such as the expansion of the definition of "veteran" and deletions like the removal of outdated references to organizations and salary caps. The bill also revises the composition and responsibilities of the State Board of Veterans Affairs, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity, and grants the board the authority to adopt and amend policies and rules. Additionally, it addresses the operation of state veterans cemeteries, the application process for federal funds, and confirms that no funds from the Education Trust Fund will be used for these projects.

The bill further outlines the roles and qualifications of the State Service Commissioner and the department's role in assisting veterans with claims against the United States arising from military service. It removes the requirement for appointees to be honorably discharged veterans and allows for more flexibility in the appointment of assistant commissioners and veteran service officers based on education, ability, and experience. The bill also revises the organization of veteran service offices, allowing for the establishment of service areas and the appointment of district managers. Financial responsibilities for the operation of veteran service offices are detailed, with the state covering salaries and expenses from the State General Fund, while counties provide office space and operational expenses. The bill mandates the appointment of an executive director for the oversight of state veterans homes and creates the Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund for the care of veterans. Lastly, it updates reporting requirements for state veterans' homes and sets the effective date of the act as October 1, 2024.

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