Ala. Code § 31-1-7 (2026) – Access to and Use of Facilities Owned by the Alabama National Guard Extended to Certain Veterans and Caregivers.

(a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1. (1) CAREGIVER. The same meaning as provided in 38 U.S.C. § 1720G(d), or its successor, if any.
2. (2) FAMILY CAREGIVER. The same meaning as provided in 38 U.S.C. § 1720G(d), or its successor, if any.
3. (3) FORMER PRISONER OF WAR. The same meaning as provided in 38 U.S.C. § 101, or its successor, if any.
4. (4) MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT. The same meaning as provided in 10 U.S.C § 1074H(c), or its successor, if any.
5. (5) SERVICE-CONNECTED. The same meaning as provided in 38 U.S.C. § 101, or its successor, if any.
6. (6) VETERAN. The same meaning as provided in 38 U.S.C. § 101, or its successor, if any.
(b) In addition to all other benefits, the following persons shall be permitted to use the facilities owned by the Alabama National Guard on the same basis as a member of the United States Armed Forces who is entitled to retired or retainer pay:
1. (1) A veteran who is a Medal of Honor recipient.
2. (2) A veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart.
3. (3) A veteran who is a former prisoner of war.
4. (4) A veteran with a service-connected disability.
5. (5) A caregiver or a family caregiver of a veteran.
(c) The Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
(d) Nothing in this section is deemed to limit the authority of the Alabama National Guard to control access to locations or facilities in order to maintain security and good order.

(Act 2021-427, §1.)