AL SB198

Establishes the Alabama National Guard Legal Services Office as a joint office serving both Army and Air National Guard with state staff judge advocates for each service.

Creates the Alabama National Guard Legal Assistance Program to assist eligible clients (service members, employees, retirees, and their dependents) with personal legal matters at no cost to promote readiness, morale, discipline, and retention.

Defines organizational structure including General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and associate general counsels specializing in military justice, contract/fiscal law, administrative/civil law, operational law, and legal assistance.

Authorizes judge advocates and paralegals to perform notarial acts under 10 U.S.C. § 1044a, even when not in duty status, and allows use of official seals citing federal authority.

Becomes effective October 1, 2025, and adopts Army Regulation 27-1, Air Force Instruction 51-304, and Air National Guard Instruction 51-504 as controlling guidance for judge advocate operations.