SB89 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Roger Bedford, Jr.

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Arthur OrrJimmy HolleyGreg J. ReedBill HoltzclawPhillip W. WilliamsGerald O. DialTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Veterans, educational benefits, proof of eligibility, disabled veterans, spouses, and children, residency, benefits provided where veteran was not a resident of Alabama before entry in service in certain cases, Veterans' Affairs Department to develop criteria for awarding contingent on funding, Sec. 31-6-11 am'd.

Summary

SB89 would expand Alabama's veterans educational benefits to certain veterans who did not live in Alabama before service but have lived in the state for 10 years, and to veterans with 70-90% disability and their spouses or children, with eligibility set by the Veterans' Affairs Department and funded by available resources.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates new eligibility paths for educational benefits based on long-term Alabama residency and disability. It requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to develop criteria for awarding these benefits. It makes benefits contingent on the department’s criteria and on the availability of funding and resources.

Who It Affects

• A veteran who did not reside in Alabama before entering service but has lived in Alabama for 10 years prior to applying for benefits.
• A veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70-90% who has been a permanent resident of Alabama for at least 10 years prior to applying.
• The spouse or child of such a veteran who has also resided in Alabama for at least 10 years prior to applying.

Key Provisions

• Amends 31-6-11 to require proof of eligibility for benefits, including residency history and service termination status, and to add new eligibility paths for veterans who did not reside in Alabama before service but later accumulate 10 years of residency.
• Allows a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70-90% and 10 years of Alabama residency to apply for educational benefits, and allows the spouse or child of such a veteran to apply under the same conditions.
• Authorizes the Department of Veterans' Affairs to develop criteria for awarding benefits and to limit or grant benefits based on funding and other resources; benefits are contingent on adequate funding.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and 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