HB577 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Veterans' Affairs, State Department of, veterans organizations making nominations, Alabama Alliance of the Military Officers Association of America, Inc., added to nominating organizations, Sec. 31-5-3 am'd.; Act 2009-788, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

HB577 adds the Alabama Alliance of the Military Officers Association of America, Inc. as a nominating organization for the State Board of Veterans' Affairs and changes how board seats are allocated among veteran groups.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill changes who can nominate members to the State Board of Veterans' Affairs by including the Alabama Alliance of the Military Officers Association of America, Inc. The number of seats allocated to each organization will be based on the organization's state membership as of July 1, and each organization would nominate three veterans for every seat it is entitled to. The nominations must represent veterans from every war represented in the organizations’ membership, and the board can grant representation to a WWII veterans organization with a national charter. The board would also have authority to adopt policies and regulations for the department and ensure diverse and inclusive representation.

Who It Affects

• Veterans who are members of the listed veterans organizations will gain representation on the State Board of Veterans' Affairs in proportion to each organization's membership.
• The Alabama Alliance of the Military Officers Association of America, Inc. will become an eligible nominating organization, with its executive committee nominating veterans for board seats.

Key Provisions

• Adds the Alabama Alliance of the Military Officers Association of America, Inc. to the list of organizations that nominate members to the State Board of Veterans' Affairs.
• Reforms the board composition so seats are allocated from members of designated veterans organizations, with one representative from each organization for the first 7,500 resident members (or fraction) and one additional representative for each additional 7,500 members (or fraction), based on membership as of July 1 of the appointment year.
• Requires each organization to nominate three veterans for each seat it is entitled to on the board, with nominations reflecting veterans from every war represented in the organizations' membership.
• Allows the board to grant representation to a Second World War veterans organization with a national charter.
• Expands diversity requirements so the board's membership reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of Alabama.
• Gives the board rule-making power to set policies and regulations for the operation of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and its services, subject to coordination with the State Service Commissioner; rules have the force of law.
• Requires the board to establish and provide an eligible list of candidates for appointments and to follow rules and regulations regarding personnel and appointments, including adherence to the Merit System where applicable.
• Authorizes the board to establish and operate a state veterans' cemetery, including funding from federal, state, private sources, and donations; funds go to the Veterans' Assistance Fund and are used only for cemetery purposes; land may be donated consistent with federal guidelines.
• Puts the board in charge of setting salaries and minimum standards for service commissioners and department personnel.
• Requires board meetings to occur as prescribed, with quorum requirements and per diem and travel expense allowances for members.
• Effective date: immediately following passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Veterans' Affairs, State Department of