AL HB154

Transfers appointment authority for the State Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner from the State Board of Veterans Affairs to the Governor, who may remove the Commissioner at pleasure.

Revises the State Board of Veterans Affairs from consisting of the Governor and veteran service organization representatives to nine members appointed by the Governor (7), Speaker of the House (1), and President Pro Tempore of the Senate (1), with appointments coordinated to reflect the state's veteran community diversity.

Changes the Board's role from governance authority to advisory capacity, with specific duties including advising the Commissioner on veterans matters, developing policy recommendations, and recommending veteran assistance initiatives.

Transfers rule-making and senior staff appointment authority from the Board to the Department, though the Commissioner consults with the Board on certain decisions regarding contracts and cemetery operations.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage.