HB486 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rex ReynoldsRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Veterans Affairs Dept., board member eligibility updated, definitions, rename service manager as veteran service officer and district service commissioner as district manager, appointment of an executive director to oversee operation of state veterans homes, provided, Sec. 31-5-12 repealed; Secs. 31-5-1 to 31-5-11, inclusive, 31-5-13, 31-5-14, 31-5A-1 to 31-5A-11, inclusive, am'd.
Summary: HB486 updates Alabama's Veterans Affairs governance by renaming roles, adding an executive director for state veterans homes, creating new funding and contracting structures, and repealing an old provision.
What This Bill Does
It clarifies definitions and updates board member eligibility, renaming the service manager to veteran service officer and the district service commissioner to district manager. It provides for appointing an executive director to oversee state veterans homes and allows contracting with a non-governmental entity to operate a state veterans home. It establishes a new Alabama Veterans' Home Trust Fund, sets budgeting and reporting requirements, and makes technical, nonsubstantive updates to current law while repealing Section 31-5-12. It also reorganizes county and district offices, creates service areas, and adjusts certificate of need rules for veterans homes (with current homes at Alexander City, Bay Minette, and Huntsville exempt).

Who It Affects
State Department of Veterans' Affairs and its leadership (board, State Service Commissioner, and staff) through updated roles, reporting, and governance structure.
Veterans and their families in Alabama who use or may use state veterans homes, including admissions and coordination of care under new oversight and potential private operation.
Private or nonprofit organizations that may operate state veterans homes under contract, due to new procurement, contract duration, and evaluation factors.
Counties and county offices, which may provide office space and be affected by district service offices, service areas, and related duties.

Key Provisions
Rename service manager to veteran service officer and rename district service commissioner to district manager across the department.
Create the position of an executive director to oversee operation of state veterans homes and appoint an on-site director for each home.
Authorize the department to contract with a non-governmental entity to operate a state veterans home (up to five-year contracts) with competitive bidding and criteria considering cost, program design, personnel, and resources.
Repeal Section 31-5-12 and update numerous sections (31-5-1 to 31-5-11, 31-5-13 to 31-5-14, and 31-5A-1 to 31-5A-11) to modernize definitions and governance.
Establish the Alabama Veterans' Home Trust Fund in the State Treasury to receive federal funds, gifts, and private contributions for the care and operation of veterans homes, with expenditures authorized by the State Board of Veterans' Affairs and the State Treasurer.
Create and designate executive and district-level leadership and require bonds and oaths for officials; provide annual reporting requirements on operations and budgets.
Establish or designate district service offices and county service offices, with counties furnishing suitable office space and covering operating expenses (excluding personnel costs).
Adjust certificate of need rules for new and existing veterans homes, with three existing homes exempt from the certificate of need process.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Veterans' Affairs, State Department of