Montgomery, Ala. -- During a bill signing ceremony on Monday, May 21, Gov. Kay Ivey signed four bills into law that will work to support members of the military and veterans. The four bills were House Bills 58, 83, 88 and 92. The signing of these bills comes after the signing of House Bill 388, the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act, earlier this month at Maxwell Air Force Base.
“Throughout my career, I have advocated for our service men and women, and I will continue to do all I can as governor to offer my support to those who have given us so much,” said Ivey. "I am proud to strengthen Alabama’s bond with the military through these five bills I have signed into law."
House Bill 58, also known as "Parks for Patriots Bill," sets out to give free admission Alabama citizens, who are members of the military or veterans, to all state parks that are operated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In order to gain free admission, one must prove that they are in the military or have served by displaying valid documentation.
Ivey had already made it free for all veterans to enter these parks in November 2017, but this bill will make it official and permanent. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Dickie Drake.
“I am so proud to have sponsored a bill that allows veterans and current military to have free admission to Alabama State Parks,” Drake said. “With Memorial Day close at hand, this should be something nice for our Veterans and our military who have given so much and make so many sacrifices; we can never fully repay them!”
Drake also sponsored House Bill 88, which will provide preference in competitive bids on state government contracts to businesses owned by veterans.
Ivey also signed House Bill 83, titled the Veteran Employment Act. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Connie Rowe and promises that small businesses who hire veterans will receive a tax credit.
“This was an opportunity to help both our veterans and small businesses at the same time. Incentivizing the hiring and retention of our military veterans by Alabama small businesses allows us to acknowledge their service and provide them with more job opportunities,” Rowe said. “It’s a win-win piece of legislation.”
House Bill 92 will help to give windshield placards for display to members of the military and veterans who have meet the military service requirements and received awards. These placards will also serve to permit parking in spots designated for military members or veterans. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Barry Moore.
“I am grateful for the hard work and support of the Alabama Legislature for passing strong legislation supporting our service men and women," said Ivey.
