On May 8, the Alabama Senate passed House Bill 103, which will bring the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs up to date.
The bill was introduced by State Rep. Kenneth Paschal and aims to update the Code of Alabama section that governs the agency, which has not been changed since 1945. This will give the department a new name and make it more modern.
Paschal said, “The needs of veterans and their dependents in 2024 are very different from those in 1945 when the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and its duties were first set up.” Bringing the laws that rule the Veterans Affairs Department up to date will help us give better and more meaningful services to the men and women who served our country in uniform.
Paschal said in a statement that Sen. Gerald Allen introduced House Bill 103 in the Senate. The bill aims to change who is responsible for what, make service areas and districts clearer, and simplify sections to make them work more efficiently.
This is a bill from the Alabama Military Stability Commission. It is now being sent to Gov. Kay Ivey to be signed.
Paschal is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army and is also the sponsor of HB 283. This bill would exempt from state income tax pay earned by members of the National Guard and Reserves while on active duty in another country or helping with state or federal emergency response.
Paschal is involved in the veterans’ community. He was post leader of American Legion Post 555 of Pelham and was chosen by the Legion’s national commander to serve on the National Executive Americanism Council.
