MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey has signed Senate Bill 67, reinforcing Alabama’s commitment to supporting veterans. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Jones and Representative Ed Oliver, the legislation elevates the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) commissioner to a cabinet-level position, increasing accountability and ensuring direct oversight.
Strengthening Veteran Support
Governor Ivey highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, “Alabama’s veterans deserve our very best, and I am grateful to the Alabama Legislature for its resounding support of this important legislation. We will use this new structure to focus on what matters most – serving those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms – our veterans and their families.”
Senator Jones emphasized the necessity of the change, adding, “Elevating the commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs to a cabinet-level position is certainly the right path forward for Alabama when it comes to better serving and supporting our veterans.”
Representative Oliver echoed this sentiment, saying, “I look forward to working collectively with the governor’s office, the Legislature, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the State Board of Veterans Affairs, and Veteran Service Organizations to improve the quality of life for veterans through more efficient and expanded services.”
Key Reforms Under SB67
The law introduces two major structural changes:
- Direct Gubernatorial Oversight – The governor now has the authority to appoint and supervise the ADVA commissioner, ensuring that the department’s leadership aligns with state priorities on veteran services, including mental health, employment, and education.
- State Board of Veterans Affairs (SBVA) Restructure – The SBVA will transition from an oversight body to an advisory board, following the model of other cabinet agencies. Veteran services organizations (VSOs) will have 60 days to submit board nominees, after which the governor may appoint a veteran of her choosing in cases of vacancies.
Governor Ivey reaffirmed her commitment to veteran support, stating, “I truly appreciate the collaborative relationship we have forged with VSOs to achieve final passage of this legislation. I look forward to assembling a new State Board of Veterans Affairs that can effectively advocate for the wide range of needs of our state’s veterans and their families.”
Appointment of Brigadier General Jeffrey Newton
Following the bill’s signing, Governor Ivey announced the appointment of Brigadier General Jeffrey Newton as the new ADVA commissioner.
“Brigadier General Newton has earned this important job, and I am more than confident he will work to ensure our state better serves all of our 400,000 veterans,” said Governor Ivey.
Newton, who previously served as interim commissioner of the ADVA, has a distinguished 41-year military career. He has extensive experience in military operations, having served in the Alabama Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, with deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Noble Eagle. His awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Newton stated, “I am humbled and grateful to be appointed to the Governor’s Cabinet and join her team. Several major projects are already being coordinated with the Governor’s Office, highlighting our commitment to make Alabama the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
Brigadier General Newton’s appointment takes effect Wednesday, March 19, 2025
