On Tuesday, three of the largest veterans service organizations in the state backed a legislative proposal to restructure the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) as it was amended by the State Senate last week.
Initially, SB67 would have restructured the State Board of Veterans Affairs with various changes to its oversight powers.
Now, as engrossed after Senate amendments, the Commissioner of the ADVA would be elevated as a cabinet-level position appointed by the Governor, however, structural changes to the board are no longer included.
As the proposal makes its way to what has been signaled as swift passage to the Alabama House, three of the state and nation’s top veterans service organizations issued a statement to clarify misinformation and strongly endorse the current version.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion and the American Veterans jointly issued the following statement:
“The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion (TAL) and the American Veterans (AMVETS) endorse SB67 engrossed as passed on February 18, 2025. We urge all Veterans to ensure they are reading the engrossed bill and not referring to the introduced SB67. The legislation elevates the Commissioner to a Cabinet level position and places the day-to-day routine actions of the Department directly under the Commissioner.
“This exact action has been discussed favorably amongst ADVA Board Members and the ADVA Commissioner for the last two years. The legislation keeps the existing appointment process for the State Board of Veterans Affairs. It adds safeguards for future realignment based on attendance, membership strength of the Veterans Service Organizations, as well as the number of consecutive terms that may be served by a member.
“The legislation states that the Board shall serve in an oversight capacity and has the following responsibilities: Advise the Commissioner on Veterans’ matters that are within the scope of the authority of the Department, those day-to-day activities; develop policy recommendations for the state as it relates to Veterans and Veterans’ families; recommend initiatives to assist the wellbeing of Veterans and Veterans’ families; and assist the Commissioner and Department as needed as otherwise provided in the bill.
“We appreciate the governor, Senator Jones, Representative Oliver and others who have worked with us to ensure this bill helps the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and the Board best serve the state’s veterans. We are proud to support SB67.”
Last week, the Senate amended the bill to allow veteran service organizations to re-nominate candidates for board appointments, keeping the traditional recommendation process intact, while elevating the commissioner with cabinet-level authorities.
On Tuesday, Governor Ivey issued a statement affirming the current proposal.
“Alabama’s 400,000 veterans deserve our very best. I appreciate our veterans for working with us on this legislation, and I am proud to have their support for SB67,” Ivey said.
“Working together, we will elevate the work of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and give our veterans a stronger voice.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
