HB533 Summary

• Amends Section 31-6-11 of the Alabama Code to expand eligibility for veterans' educational benefits by allowing veterans who have been Alabama residents for five years prior to application to qualify, in addition to the existing one-year residency requirement.

• Extends spousal and child eligibility for educational benefits to include dependents of any veteran with five years of Alabama residency prior to benefit application, or if the veteran was a resident immediately prior to death.

• Previously limited spousal and child benefits to dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans; this bill extends such benefits to dependents of any disabled or deceased veteran meeting the residency requirements.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.