SB131 Summary

• Increases survivor compensation for Alabama National Guard dependents from $10,000 to $100,000 when a guardsman is killed or dies while on state active duty.

• Expands education benefits to children of guardsmen killed or who die from injuries received while on state active duty, including eligibility for tuition assistance at Alabama state institutions of higher learning for up to 45 months.

• Removes the 30-day minimum requirement for state active duty status, allowing guardsmen serving shorter periods (such as during natural disasters or emergencies) to qualify for survivor and education benefits.

• Applies federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protections to guardsmen on state active duty status.

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