A series of bills passed by the Alabama Senate on Tuesday would serve to bolster the Yellowhammer State’s military-friendly environment, according to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.
The legislative package put forth by the Alabama Military Stability Commission, a panel chaired by Ainsworth, aims to retain and enhance the federal government’s military investment and presence across the state.
Ainsworth, who has made supporting Alabama’s military community a signature priority, hailed the legislative package as being beneficial to the state’s economy.
“The bills in this legislative package offer solid evidence that we continue working every day to ensure Alabama remains the nation’s most attractive and friendliest state for active military, military dependents, and veterans who have served our nation,” proclaimed Ainsworth. “Fully meeting the needs of military families will keep Alabama’s economy healthy and growing by protecting the bases and installations located here and convincing service members to become permanent residents once they retire or leave the military.”
The military-related bills passed by the Senate are as follows:
- Senate Bill 28 allows for the establishment of the Space National Guard branch of the Alabama National Guard if the federal government elects to authorize the entity by fiscal year 2025. The bill is sponsored by Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Tom Butler (R-Madison).
- Senate Bill 141, also put forth by Butler, extends the deadline for numerous occupational licensure boards to enable spouses of those serving in the military to practice their trades while stationed in Alabama.
- Senate Bill 99, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre), creates a compact enabling licensed psychologists and counselors who practice in participating states to also practice in Alabama.
- State Sen. Tom Whatley’s (R-Auburn) Senate Bill 116 paves the way for children of military families to enroll in Alabama public schools prior to relocating to the state.
- Senate Bill 119 expands scholarships provided under the Alabama G.I. and Dependents’ Educational Benefit Act to include private institutions of higher learning and adds the U.S. Space Command to qualifying branches. The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road).
- State Sen. Shay Shelnutt’s (R-Trussville) Senate Bill 167 establishes a compact allowing occupational therapists licensed to practice in participating states to also practice within Alabama.
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) praised the work of the upper chamber in passing legislation that he said would serve to enhance the quality of life for members of Alabama’s military community.
“I was honored to support this innovative legislative package supporting Alabama’s incredible military families,” Reed stated in a release. “I applaud Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth’s continued leadership on this vital issue, and I commend my colleagues for making passage of this legislation a top priority.”
“The Senate has proudly made supporting Alabama’s extended military, defense, aerospace, and intelligence communities one of our key missions in recent years, and we will continue to do so moving forward,” added the Senate leader. “We want our state to be a Sweet Home for the heroes and their families who put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe, strong, and free. I look forward to building on Alabama’s reputation of being a 21st century hub for America’s military.”
Butler spoke to the role Alabama plays in providing for the United States’ national defense.
“The state of Alabama plays a vital role in the prosperity of the United States’ defense programs,” advised Butler. “From advanced defense manufacturing and hypersonic and aerospace production to housing multiple renowned federal military bases to the welcoming of the U.S. Space Command headquarters, Alabama continues to be indispensable to the strength and success of our military.”
Having passed the Senate, the bills now head to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration. The House GOP Caucus included the legislative package in its policy agenda it unveiled earlier this year.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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