The controversial bill to alter the makeup of the State Board of Veterans Affairs and how the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) commissioner is appointed is first up on the Senate's calendar on Tuesday, one day after Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth came out against the bill pushed by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The bill follows a public feud between Ivey and former ADVA commissioner Kent Davis.
In October last year, Ivey removed Davis from office. After the board voted twice to keep Davis and not accept his forced resignation, Ivey exercised her "supreme executive power" to remove him for allegedly mishandling American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Ivey then announced the ADVA restructuring bill in her State of the State Address last week as lawmakers began the 2025 legislative session.
Senate Bill 67 (SB67), sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre), would change the ADVA commissioner's role to being appointed by the governor. Currently, the State Board of Veterans Affairs hires and fires the commissioner. The State Board of Veterans Affairs would also be changed to an "advisory" role. Seven of the nine board members would be appointed by the governor. The House speaker and Senate pro-tem would also each get one board appointment.
According to the Senate's proposed special-order calendar, SB67 is the first bill lawmakers will consider for the legislative day. This comes a day after Ainsworth, who presides over the Senate, publicly opposed the bill.
SEE: Ainsworth opposes Ivey-backed bill restructuring Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
"When it comes to filing the needs of veterans, men and women who have actually worn a uniform should remain in charge," Ainsworth said. "The department and the method of selecting members of the Veterans Affairs board have operated well under the current system for many years, and I am among those who believe 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'"
Ainsworth's dissent, combined with the body quickly taking up the bill, could either be innocuous or a sign that the Senate leadership intends to put it to a swift end. However, the Senate openly defying Ivey's wishes so early in a session could provide interesting political maneuvering as the session proceeds.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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