Lt. Governor Ainsworth hails pro-military bills passed in 2025 Alabama legislative session

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth is praising Alabama lawmakers following the conclusion of the latest legislative session in Montgomery. In a post on X, Ainsworth applauded the body for passing a package of pro-military bills that will benefit service members, veterans, and their families for years to come.

According to Ainsworth, the legislation helps meet part of a ‘moral obligation’ to those with military ties residing in Alabama.

“Since taking office as lieutenant governor seven years ago, we have worked hard to anticipate and meet the needs of the men and women who currently wear a uniform, those who have previously defended the U.S.A., and the family members who love and support them,” Ainsworth said.

“Passing these bills creates jobs, grows our economy, and protects Alabama’s military bases, but, more importantly, it fulfills what I believe is a moral obligation to support soldiers and service members of the past, present, and future.”

Since taking office as lieutenant governor seven years ago, we have worked hard to anticipate and meet the needs of the men and women who currently wear a uniform, those who have previously defended the U.S.A., and the family members who love and support them. Passing these bills… pic.twitter.com/Z5WbT7oovR

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) May 27, 2025

The goal of the legislation, officials say, is to make Alabama the most military-friendly state in the country. The bills include:

SB70 (State Sen. Andrew Jones / State Rep. Ed Oliver)
Establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center to assist military members entering the private sector with employment services, benefits navigation, education opportunities, and mental health services.

SB200 (State Sen. Andrew Jones / State Rep. Chad Robertson)
Expands the use of Veterans Treatment Courts across the state and incorporates them into a newly established statewide Accountability Court system.

SB59 (State Sen. Donnie Chesteen / State Reps. Patrice McClammy, Kenneth Paschal)
Allows military families to use existing military medical records to certify age-appropriate vaccinations when enrolling their children in school.

SB91 (Sen. Keith Kelley / Rep. Jerry Starnes)
Updates the Military Planning Act to further prevent the construction of tall structures near military installations and provides clarification for local approvals.

SB206 (Sen. Josh Carnley / Rep. Kenneth Paschal)
Adopts federal standards to prevent predatory practices by private entities assisting veterans in obtaining their benefits and applies Alabama consumer protection penalties to violators.

HJR22 (State Rep. Ben Harrison)
Updates the Purple Star Schools Program to allow private schools to participate in the military-friendly designation program.

SB181 (State Sen. Keith Kelley / State Rep. Kenyatté Hassell)
Enrolls Alabama in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity.

SB61 (State Sen. Nick Hatcher / State Rep. Mark Gidley)
Enrolls Alabama in the School Psychology Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity.

SB104 (State Sen. Robert Stewart / State Rep. Parker Moore)
Updates the membership of the Alabama Military Stability Commission.

HJR66 (State Rep. Ed Oliver)
Expresses the Legislature’s support for basing the KC-46A aircraft at the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Alabama.

SB179 (State Sen. Sam Givhan / State Rep. Cynthia Almond)
Updates the Alabama Code of Military Justice at the request of the Alabama National Guard.

SB198 (State Sen. Sam Givhan / State Rep. Cynthia Almond)
Clarifies the ability of Judge Advocate Generals to provide legal services to National Guard, civilian, and prior service personnel at the request of the Alabama National Guard.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten