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. It outlines the operational procedures, mission, and functions of this joint office for the Alabama Army and Air National Guard, detailing the roles and responsibilities of legal personnel such as state staff judge advocates and general counsels. The bill introduces new provisions that authorize judge advocates and paralegals to perform notary actions under specific circumstances and incorporates Army Regulation 27-1 and Air Force Instruction 51-304 as governing documents for legal services. Notably, there are no deletions from current law, but the bill significantly enhances the legal framework supporting the Alabama National Guard.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of legal assistance in maintaining military readiness and morale, establishing clear responsibilities for legal services provided to service members, their dependents, and retirees. Key provisions include the appointment of the Alabama Staff Judge Advocate to oversee the program, the creation of an Alabama National Guard Manual for Legal Assistance, and the requirement for ongoing training for legal personnel. The bill clarifies eligibility criteria for clients and specifies that legal assistance services are provided at no cost, while also allowing for limitations during emergencies. Furthermore, it grants notarial powers to judge advocates and paralegals, ensuring that their actions are valid under Alabama law. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.