Veterans Affairs, board membership revised, appointment and duties of commissioner provided for

HB 154 revises Alabama's State Board of Veterans Affairs structure and Commissioner appointment. It changes the Governor from the Board to appoint the Commissioner (who would serve "at the Governor's pleasure"), eliminating the Board's prior role in selecting the Commissioner. The bill also revises the Board's membership to be appointed by the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore - requiring appointments to reflect Alabama's entire veteran community across demographics and service eras. Finally, it redefines the Board as purely advisory, transferring its former duties (like setting department policy, approving contracts, and selecting senior staff) to the Department of Veterans Affairs.