The bill SB198 establishes the Alabama National Guard Legal Services Office and the Alabama National Guard Legal Assistance Program by adding Chapters 2B and 2C to Title 31 of the Code of Alabama 1975. It outlines the operational procedures, mission, and functions of the Legal Services Office, which will serve both the Alabama Army and Air National Guard. The bill details the roles and responsibilities of legal personnel, including state staff judge advocates and associate general counsels, who will provide legal advice and manage legal services. It also authorizes judge advocates and paralegals to perform notary actions under certain conditions and incorporates relevant Army and Air Force regulations as governing documents for legal personnel.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of legal assistance for service members, their dependents, and retirees, mandating that services be provided at no cost. It introduces specific responsibilities for the Alabama Staff Judge Advocate and the legal assistance associate general counsel, including the development of policies and preventive legal initiatives. The bill clarifies the notarial powers of military personnel and ensures that civilian employee notaries can perform services without fees. Overall, SB198 aims to enhance the legal framework and operational efficiency of the Alabama National Guard's legal services, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.