As the nation celebrates its veterans this week, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released Serving Those Who Serve: A 50-State Ranking on Veterans and Military Affairs Policy, a new report evaluating how states support veterans, servicemembers and military families through state-level policy, and what states can do to improve.
The report evaluates states across 10 policy areas, including support for military families, veterans transitioning to civilian life, veterans in the justice system, and emerging treatments for service-related mental health conditions.
Top Five States:
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Arizona
4. Colorado
5. Oklahoma
Bottom Five States:
46. Vermont
47. Michigan
48. South Dakota
49. Hawaii
50. New York
“Our veterans and military families have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, and they deserve policies that help them thrive,” said ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson. “This report highlights the states leading the way while providing policymakers across the country with a roadmap to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and better serve those who have served.”
The rankings help identify areas where states can improve. For example, while 48 states have Veterans Treatment Courts, only 14 states have codified uniform standards in statute. By analyzing these policies and identifying the gaps between states, the report empowers state legislators to take action and meaningfully improve their states’ support for the veteran and military community.
“States play a critical role in ensuring our veterans and military families have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” said Iowa Speaker Pro Tempore and Public Sector Chair of ALEC’s Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force John Wills. “These rankings provide a valuable tool for legislators to identify successful policies, learn from other states, and continue improving how we support those who have answered the call to serve.”
Developed through the ALEC Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force, the report examines state policies enacted as of July 1, 2026. Several model policies approved by the task force are used in this report.
“From helping military children transition between schools to recognizing the skills veterans gained during their service, state policy can make a meaningful difference,” said Zachary Federico, Director of the ALEC’s Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force. “Our goal is to give lawmakers a clear picture of where their states stand and identify practical reforms that can improve the lives of veterans, servicemembers, and their families.”