Senate Bill 216 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Josh CarnleySenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: State military; awards criteria revised, new awards established, authority to present prescribed
Summary: SB216 would revise Alabama National Guard awards criteria, add new awards, and designate who may present them (Governor or Adjutant General).
What This Bill Does
It updates the eligibility criteria for Alabama National Guard awards and creates new honors. It assigns presentation authority—Governor may present certain awards (with Adjutant General concurrence unless initiated by the Governor) and the Adjutant General may present a broad set of awards for Guard service. It requires detailed award recommendations, allows posthumous awards, and includes retroactive recognition of National Guard service when called into federal service, along with specific year-of-service devices for longer service.

Who It Affects
Alabama National Guard members (active or veteran) who could earn revised or new awards for their service and duties
State leaders (the Governor and Adjutant General) who would authorize and present the awards and oversee the recommendation process

Key Provisions
Amends Section 31-2-41 to revise award criteria and create new awards.
Governor-presented awards: Governor's Cross, Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama, and Alabama Commendation Medal; Governor may initiate awards, with Adjutant General concurrence required to present others.
Adjutant General-presented awards: a broad list including Exceptional Service Ribbon, Faithful Service Ribbon, Special Service Medal, Veterans Service Medal, First Sergeant Service Ribbon, Honor Guard Service Ribbon, Alabama National Guard Recruiting Ribbon, Recruiting Lead Generation Ribbon, Basic Training Ribbon, Certificate of Appreciation, Certificate of Extension, and other listed honors.
Recommendations for awards must include complete factual information and dates, and awards may be presented posthumously.
Retroactive recognition: service in wars or hostilities and federal activation credited for award purposes; Bronze devices denote total years served (e.g., oak leaf clusters for additional years, and a Bronze St. Andrews Cross for certain beyond-6-year increments).
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Military