HB400 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Robert Bentley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Veterans, education benefits, qualifications altered, Sec. 31-6-11 am'd.

Summary

HB400 would expand eligibility for Alabama veterans’ education benefits by allowing service members to qualify with only 30 days of Alabama residency before entering service, instead of a full year.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 31-6-11 to reduce the required pre-service Alabama residency for veterans from one year to 30 days. For spouses, widows, and children of disabled or deceased veterans, it adds residency proof options (either veteran’s pre-service residency or five years of residency before filing or death) and maintains an honorable discharge requirement and minimum service duration (90 days, or less if service‑connected disability). It also requires that benefits come from service rendered during wartime or under extrahazardous conditions. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Veterans who apply for education benefits and who have lived in Alabama for at least 30 days before entering service.
• Spouses, widows, and children of disabled or deceased veterans seeking benefits, who must show specific residency proofs and meet service requirements.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 31-6-11 to set the veteran residency requirement as at least 30 days in Alabama prior to entering service (instead of one year).
• For beneficiaries who are the veteran’s spouse, widow, or child, requires proof of residency through options such as the veteran’s pre-service residency (30 days) or five years of residency before filing or death, plus proof of honorable service (90+ days, unless discharged due to service-connected disability).
• Eligibility must be based on service rendered during wartime or under extrahazardous conditions, as determined by the State Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Veterans