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House passes SB67 shifting appointment of state veterans commissioner to governor
Summary
SB67 passed the House to make the governor responsible for appointing the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and recharacterize the board in an oversight role; vote recorded 50-39 on final passage.
The Alabama House approved SB67, which will change how the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is selected. The bill transfers the appointment authority for the department’s commissioner from the State Board of Veterans Affairs to the governor; the board would continue as an oversight body while the governor would appoint and the commissioner would serve at the governor’s pleasure.
Senator Oliver, sponsor in the House, described the change as a modernization intended to strengthen executive accountability and streamline operations. Several veteran leaders testified in support of the concept in committee; Representative Ream (veteran) gave floor support noting his long experience with service members and veterans issues.
The bill drew some disagreement from veteran groups that voiced concern about reducing the role of independent veterans’ organizations in selecting leadership. Sponsors said core board structures remained in place and that the change improves statewide coordination.
Final passage was recorded at 50 ayes and 39 nays. The bill now returns to the Senate for any further action.
