The bill SB67 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 concerning veterans affairs by transferring the authority to appoint the Commissioner of the State Department of Veterans Affairs from the State Board of Veterans Affairs to the Governor. This change is designed to streamline the appointment process, allowing the Governor to appoint the Commissioner at their discretion, while the board will now take on an advisory role, providing guidance on veterans' matters and policy recommendations. The bill also introduces provisions to ensure board appointments reflect the diversity of the veteran community and limits members to two consecutive terms. Additionally, it allows the Governor to appoint a veteran if a vacancy arises or if an organization fails to nominate candidates within a specified timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the operational structure of the Department of Veterans Affairs by replacing references to the "board" with "department," thereby enhancing the department's authority in managing state veterans homes and services. It allows the commissioner to independently appoint assistant commissioners and veteran service officers, and emphasizes the responsibilities of these roles in assisting veterans and their families. The bill also establishes the Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund for the care of veterans, outlines admission and discharge policies for state homes, and mandates annual reporting to the Governor on the department's activities. Overall, SB67 aims to improve the governance and operational efficiency of veterans' services in Alabama, ensuring that the needs of veterans are effectively met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31-5-2, 31-5-3, 31-5-5, 31-5-6, 31-5-7, 31-5-8, 31-5-9, 31-5-10, 31-5-13, 31-5A-3, 31-5A-4, 31-5A-5, 31-5A-6, 31-5A-7, 31-5A-8, 31-5A-9, 31-5A-10
Engrossed: 31-5-2, 31-5-3, 31-5-5, 31-5-6, 31-5-7, 31-5-8, 31-5-9, 31-5-10, 31-5-13, 31-5A-3, 31-5A-4, 31-5A-5, 31-5A-6, 31-5A-7, 31-5A-8, 31-5A-9, 31-5A-10
Enrolled: 31-5-2, 31-5-3, 31-5-5, 31-5-6, 31-5-7, 31-5-8, 31-5-9, 31-5-10, 31-5-13, 31-5A-3, 31-5A-4, 31-5A-5, 31-5A-6, 31-5A-7, 31-5A-8, 31-5A-9, 31-5A-10