Governor Kay Ivey signed SB67 into law Tuesday, a measure aimed at restructuring the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to enhance services for the state’s nearly 400,000 veterans.
Sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) and State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), SB67 shifts oversight of the ADVA commissioner from the State Board of Veterans Affairs to the governor, making the position a cabinet-level role. The move is intended to bring greater accountability and align ADVA with other state agencies under the executive branch.
“Alabama’s veterans deserve our very best, and I am grateful to the Alabama Legislature for its resounding support of this important legislation,” Ivey said in a statement. “We will use this new structure to focus on what matters most – serving those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms – our veterans and their families.”
Under the new law, the governor now directly appoints and supervises the ADVA commissioner. Previously, the SBVA selected the commissioner and had significant control over departmental operations. The SBVA will now serve in an advisory role, a shift that supporters argue will improve efficiency and responsiveness to veterans’ needs.
Jones said elevating the commissioner to a cabinet-level position ensures that veteran services remain a top priority for state leadership.
“I want to thank Gov. Ivey for her leadership on this issue, as well as my colleagues in the Legislature for prioritizing veteran needs in our state,” he stated.
The law also grants the governor more authority in appointing SBVA members. Veteran service organizations (VSOs) have 60 days to submit new nominees for board positions. If an organization fails to do so or if a vacancy arises, the governor can appoint a veteran of her choosing.
Alongside the bill signing, Ivey announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jeffrey Newton as the new ADVA commissioner.
“Brigadier General Newton has earned this important job, and I am more than confident he will work to ensure our state better serves all of our veterans,” Ivey said.
Newton, who previously served as interim commissioner, has an extensive background in military service and veterans’ affairs. His 41-year military career included overseas deployments and leadership roles with the Alabama Air National Guard.
“I am humbled and grateful to be appointed to the governor’s cabinet and join her team,” Newton said. “We are already working on major projects to ensure Alabama becomes the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support and received endorsements from key veterans’ groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and AMVETS. The groups praised the restructuring as a necessary step to modernize Alabama’s veteran services.
SB67 took effect immediately upon Ivey’s signature. Today is the 15th legislative day.
Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].
