The bill SB198 establishes the Alabama National Guard Legal Services Office by adding Chapters 2B and 2C to Title 31 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This new office will include state staff judge advocates for both the Army and Air National Guard, who will provide legal advice on military justice, administrative law, and fiscal matters. The bill mandates the adoption of Army Regulation 27-1 and Air Force Instruction 51-304 as governing documents for judge advocates. It also authorizes judge advocates and paralegals to perform notary actions under specific circumstances and outlines the operational procedures, duties, and supervisory roles within the Legal Services Office, including the establishment of a General Counsel and various associate general counsels.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant updates to the legal framework governing the Alabama National Guard's legal services, including the creation of a Legal Assistance Program designed to assist eligible clients with personal legal affairs. Key provisions include the appointment of the Alabama Staff Judge Advocate to oversee the program, the establishment of an Alabama National Guard Manual for Legal Assistance, and the requirement for ongoing training for legal personnel. The bill emphasizes preventive law services and allows for the limitation or expansion of services based on available resources. Notable insertions include provisions for judge advocates to establish liaisons with bar organizations and perform notarial acts, while deletions include any previous restrictions on these roles. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.