The Alabama House of Representatives passed a series of bills that were recommended by the Alabama Military Stabilization Commission as part of Military Appreciation Day.
State Rep. Dickie Drake (R-Leeds) chairs the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. His committee prepared the bills for final passage by the House.
“I am glad that we are continuing to enhance the lives of the military members who come to the state of Alabama,” Drake told 1819 News.
“Today was Military Appreciation Day at the Alabama State House,” said Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth (R). “Following a breakfast with military and legislative leaders, the House gave final passage to the Military Stability Commission bill package benefitting active duty service members, dependents, and veterans. A Joint Legislative Session on military issues was also held. Great job to Robert La Branche for organizing today’s events today and to Jess Skaggs of my staff for his work advocating on behalf of military families in our state.”
Lt. General Donnie Walker who is a native of Clay County and presently serves at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal addressed the joint session of the two Houses of the legislature and then met with Gov. Kay Ivey (R).
“I had a great meeting today with Lt. General Donnie Walker. He serves as the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command at Redstone Arsenal,” Gov. Ivey said on Twitter. “He was honored at a Joint Session of the Alabama Legislature as part of Military Appreciation Day.”
Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre), creates a state compact with other members of the compact that Alabama will recognize their professional counseling licenses when they move here. SB99 would allow the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling to join the Interstate Counseling Compact to increase access to professional counseling services and provide uniformity in certain licensing requirements and practices among member states. This is a problem for military spouses that have to transfer and find that Alabama does not recognize their licenses and they have to go through the often complicated licensing process to practice in a field they have been working in for years.
State Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) asked, “How many states do we need to join the compact?”
Paschal answered, “Ten, 14 are considering it.”
Jackson asked if this applied to just the spouses of service members.
“No, this is open to anyone,” Paschal said.
SB99 passed the House 101 to 0. It had already unanimously passed the Senate.
“‘The bills that you have passed are the military bills,” said Speaker of the House McCutcheon (R-Monrovia). “This was a joint effort between the House and the Senate.”
The House passed Senate Bill 28 by Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison) dealing with the National Guard. The legislation was carried in the House by State Rep. Parker Moore (R-Hartselle).
Moore said, “This would provide for the Alabama Space Guard when Congress passes the Space Force National Guard.”
Jackson asked, “Will this create a new unit?”
Moore replied, “Yes, this will create a new unit and authorize the ROTC Space Guards in our high schools that many have already signed up for.”
SB28 passed 102 to 0. The legislation has already passed the Senate.
Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn), created a program for advance enrollment for school-age children of service members transferring to Alabama. SB116 passed the House 102 to 0. It had already passed the Senate.
Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Butler, revises requirements for occupational licensing boards to adopt rules that provide for reciprocal occupational licenses for military spouses. SB141 passed the House 102 to zero. The Senate voted to concur with the changes made by the House.
The House also passed SB119 by Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Montgomery) dealing with colleges and universities. The bill was carried in the House by State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn). This extends the GI Benefit act, which already includes public universities, to colleges that receive state funds like Talladega College, Tuskegee University, and Stillman.
The House passed Senate Bill 167 by Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville). SB167 was carried by Drake. It creates a state compact for occupational therapists, similar to the bill that Paschal carried dealing with counselors. SB167 passed the House 101 to zero.
McCutcheon said, “Thank you chairman for all of the work you have done on these military bills.”
The package of military bills now goes to Ivey’s desk for her signature.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
