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The House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday advanced a bill that would reshape the State Board of Veteran Affairs by reducing it to an advisory and oversight role.
SB67 by Andrew Jones, R-Centre, rewrites the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs as a member of the governor’s cabinet, to serve at his or her pleasure. The commissioner has historically been chosen by the board, with removal strictly for cause.
The restructuring gained the approval of three major veteran service organizations (The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Veterans) but faced criticism from numerous vets who showed up to oppose the bill.
Some lawmakers on the committee voted against the bill Wednesday, but as a voice vote, it was difficult to tell who the dissenting lawmakers were.
