Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and the Alabama Military Stability Foundation have teamed up to promote and pass the state’s 2024 Military Bills Package.
The package consists of 13 individual pieces of legislation designed to make Alabama the most military-friendly state in the nation. The bills were developed through the combined efforts of the Alabama Military Stability Commission, Alabama Military Stability Foundation, Alabama State Legislature, and military and veteran stakeholders.
“As lieutenant governor, my goal is to ensure that Alabama remains the nation’s most welcoming and friendly state for military service members, their families, and the veterans who served our country, and this package goes far toward achieving that mission,” Ainsworth said.
“At the same time, I am confident that our efforts will result in both protecting the military assets already located across the state and convincing the Department of Defense to add to its already impressive footprint in Alabama.”
Foundation Executive Director Jake Proctor said the package involves the installations in the state as well as the military families.
“The Alabama Military Stability Foundation is proud to work with the Lt. Governor and the State Legislature on the 2024 Military Bills Package,” said Proctor. “Beyond the immediate, positive impact these bills will have on servicemembers, veterans, and their families, the package also improves the state’s posture for the recruitment and retention of military installations and mission in the state.”
He also expressed his gratitude toward those involved in getting the package passed.
“On behalf of the Foundation board, I would like to thank Chairman Andrew Jones, Chairman Ed Oliver, and all the bill sponsors for their leadership, commitment, and dedication to Alabama’s military communities,” he said.
Legislation featured in the 2024 Military Bills Package:
- Exempts Overseas and Mobilization Military Pay from State Income Tax
B209: Sen. Andrew Jones / HB283: Rep. Kenneth Paschal - Authorizes the Establishment of a Statewide, Integrated Veterans Health System
HB197: Rep. Chip Brown / SB135: Sen. Andrew Jones - Provides Flexible Athletics Enrollment for Incoming Alabama Military Dependents
HB251: Rep. Chad Robertson / SB206: Sen. Andrew Jones - Provides Flexible Enrollment for Military Dependents with Special Needs
HB292: Rep. Patrice McClammy / SB211: Sen. Donnie Chesteen - Expands Education Benefits for Military Dependents to Cover Medical Studies
SB169: Sen. Keith Kelley - Modernization of Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs Statute
HB103: Rep. Kenneth Paschal - Amends the Alabama GI & Dependents Educational Benefit Act to Conform with Federal Requirements
HB284: Rep. Jerry Starnes - Codifies Anti-Discrimination Protections for Military Members and Families
HB242: Rep. Ben Harrison - Establishes Concurrent Jurisdiction for Juvenile Offenses Committed on Department of Defense Installations
HB260: Rep. Kenyatte Hassell / SB210: Sen. Rodger Smitherman - Reduces Burdens on Military Spouses Employed in Licensed Professions by Joining Several Interstate Licensing Compacts, including:
Dieticians Interstate Compact – SB207: Sen. Kirk Thatcher
Dentists / Dental Hygienists Interstate Compact – SB205: Sen. Wes Kitchens
Social Work Examiners Interstate Compact – SB208: Sen. Keith Kelley
Massage Therapists Interstate Compact – HB300: Rep. Parker Moore
Military Appreciation Day will be April 2 at the State House.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
