SB131 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: National Guard benefits, increase survivor and education benefits, Secs. 31-3-2, 31-6-4, 31-12-1, 31-12-2 am'd.
Summary: SB 131 would expand survivor and education benefits for Alabama National Guard members on state active duty and increase the survivor payout to $100,000.
What This Bill Does
It increases the death benefit for dependents of National Guard members killed on state active duty from $10,000 to $100,000, paid from the State Treasury, with limitations for misconduct, intoxication, or failure to follow safety rules. It broadens education benefits for eligible children of guardsmen on state active duty, allowing up to five standard academic years (about 45 months) of study at Alabama state colleges or universities, with in-state tuition reimbursement plus books and fees reimbursement (up to $1,000 per student) and time limits on when benefits must start and end (initiate before age 30 and complete within eight years, not extending beyond the beneficiary’s 38nd birthday). It clarifies that federal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and USERRA apply to guardsmen on state active duty and provides related pay and leave restoration rights for those periods. It also sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Surviving dependents of Alabama National Guard members killed on state active duty, who would receive a higher death benefit and education support.
Alabama National Guard members on state active duty and their families, who gain expanded education benefits and access to federal protections during state active duty.

Key Provisions
Section 31-3-2 amended to raise the death benefit payable to dependents from $10,000 to $100,000 and to define eligibility for those killed during state active duty, with exclusions for misconduct or safety violations.
Section 31-6-4 amended to provide education benefits for eligible children for up to five academic years (max 45 months), with in-state tuition reimbursement and books/fees reimbursement (up to $1,000 per student), initiated before age 30 and completed within eight years (not beyond the beneficiary’s 38nd birthday).
Sections 31-12-1 and 31-12-2 amended to define state active duty as 30 consecutive days or more (excluding training) and to apply federal protections (SCRA and USERRA) to guardsmen on state active duty, including related pay and leave provisions.
Section 4 establishes the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage.

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