SB262 Summary

• Establishes active service pay for Alabama State Defense Force (ASDF) members at half National Guard rates for activations under 15 days, and full National Guard rates for activations over 15 days, with equivalent rations and expenses.

• Authorizes the Governor to activate the ASDF to execute the law, suppress riots or insurrections, or provide disaster assistance, in addition to or instead of the National Guard.

• Requires ASDF officers to be commissioned by the Governor with specific military experience qualifications: Lieutenant Colonel rank requires honorably discharged veteran status, Colonel rank requires prior commissioned officer service, and general officers must have prior field-grade commissioned officer service.

• Allows sheriffs, local law enforcement agencies, and the Alabama State Office of Emergency Management to request ASDF activation for disasters, civil disturbance, or other gubernatorial requests.

• Establishes age limit of 72 for ASDF service, with mandatory retirement or inactive status upon reaching that age, and allows retired officers to be recalled for boards, commissions, and courts martial.