Ivey Signs Bills Boosting Military, Veteran Benefits
New laws expand education, jobs, and support for Alabama’s service members, Veterans, and their families
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed a new package of legislation aimed at strengthening support for Alabama’s military members, Veterans and their families, building on the State’s long-standing push to be one of the most military-friendly in the nation.
The bills, passed during the 2026 legislative session, focus on expanding education access, improving workforce training and opening new career pathways for those who have served.
“Alabamians are among the most patriotic Americans and their dedication to protect our country and safeguard our freedom continually deserves our praise and support,” Ivey said. “I was pleased to sign into law this session legislation addressing military education and workforce training benefits and promoting greater employment opportunities for military spouses.”
At the heart of the legislation is an expansion of education and training benefits for members of the Alabama National Guard. Lawmakers broadened the State’s assistance program to include workforce development training, allowing Guardsmen to pursue technical skills alongside traditional college degrees.
The package also creates new opportunities for Veterans transitioning into civilian careers. One measure provides temporary teaching certification pathways, helping Veterans move more quickly into classrooms across the State.
Additional provisions will ease entry into fields such as emergency medical services, recognizing prior military training and experience.
Lawmakers also addressed employment challenges faced by military spouses. The new laws expand job opportunities and hiring flexibility, a move State leaders say will help families maintain stable careers despite frequent relocations.
Other elements of the package include tax relief measures and hiring preferences designed to make Alabama more competitive in recruiting and retaining military families.
The legislation builds on recent efforts by the Ivey administration and the Legislature to strengthen services for Veterans, including initiatives to improve access to healthcare, education and career support.
State leaders have repeatedly framed these efforts as part of a larger goal: ensuring Alabama remains a top destination for military service members and their families both during and after their service.
The bills signed by Governor Ivey include:
- Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (HB233)
- Expands ANGEAP tuition assistance for Alabama Guardsmen to include workforce development training in addition to traditional degree programs. Furthermore, it ensures more timely delivery of education assistance funds to students’ accounts.
- Expanding Employment Opportunities for Military Families (HB307)
- Enhances state government hiring and promotion preferences for military spouses and authorizes local government and private sector employers to give preferences to veterans and the spouses of veterans and active-duty service members in their hiring processes.
- Accepting Military Training for EMS Licensure (HB182)
Requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to accept an applicant’s education, training and experience gained during U.S. military service as credit toward meeting state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) license requirements. - Alabama National Guard State Income Tax Exemption (HB341)
Exempts Alabama National Guard personnel from paying state income tax on the first $5,000 of income received for inactive duty training, beginning January 1, 2027. - Veterans Temporary Teaching Certificate (SB149)
Authorizes the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who would otherwise need at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify. This will address teacher shortages while affording veterans the opportunity to serve Alabama students in the classroom. - Removing Home Loan Barrier for Totally Disabled Veterans (HB77)
Allows a 100-percent-disabled veteran to receive a tentative property exemption certificate at the beginning of their mortgage application process, making it easier for them to qualify for a home loan and obtain a home of their own. - Exempting Totally Disabled Veterans from Annual Homestead Exemption Verification (HB155)
Removes the requirement for an annual verification of homestead exemptions for permanent and totally disabled veterans who have already qualified. - Enhancing Student Access to Military Career Pathways (SB158)
- Requires Alabama high schools to offer their students greater access to military career pathways through annual voluntary Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) testing, administered by military recruiters.
- Updating Alabama Military Awards (HB323)
- Modernizes Alabama’s military awards protocol while ensuring that past service is appropriately recognized. It clarifies award criteria, reinforces the significance of honors such as the Governor’s Cross and Distinguished Service Medal, and expands recognition to reflect the full scope of service. It also allows for certain awards to be granted retroactively.
With the Governor’s signature, the new laws are set to take effect in phases, delivering expanded benefits that will better connect Alabama’s military community with education, employment and long-term support.
