The bill HB412 Engrossed proposes comprehensive amendments to the Alabama Code of Military Justice, specifically targeting Sections 31-2A-1 through 31-2A-136, while introducing a new Section 31-2A-26a. It repeals several outdated sections, including 31-2A-99 through 31-2A-105, 31-2A-110, 31-2A-112a, 31-2A-112b, 31-2A-114, and 31-2A-143. Key updates include redefining terms such as changing "person" to "individual," clarifying the role of the "Clerk of the Court," and ensuring that "rules of court" align with the Alabama Rules of Court. The bill also emphasizes national security, introduces new provisions regarding classified information and the duties of judge advocates, and redefines "day" as a calendar day, all aimed at modernizing the military justice framework.

Additionally, the bill outlines significant changes to military disciplinary procedures, including the structure of courts-martial and the qualifications for military judges. It establishes that courts-martial will have primary jurisdiction over military offenses, while civilian courts will handle offenses violating both military and civilian laws. The bill allows commanding officers to impose minor punishments without court-martial intervention and clarifies the rights of the accused, including the right to consult counsel. Notably, it introduces new provisions for appealing punishments and specifies that voting in court-martial proceedings will be by secret written ballot. Overall, HB412 seeks to enhance the integrity, efficiency, and clarity of military judicial proceedings in Alabama, with an effective date set for October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31-2A-1, 31-2A-2, 31-2A-6, 31-2A-7, 31-2A-12, 31-2A-15, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-19, 31-2A-22, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-29, 31-2A-30, 31-2A-34, 31-2A-35, 31-2A-36, 31-2A-38, 31-2A-46, 31-2A-51, 31-2A-52, 31-2A-54, 31-2A-58, 31-2A-66, 31-2A-73, 31-2A-112, 31-2A-112, 31-2A-130, 31-2A-136, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-99, 31-2A-100, 31-2A-101, 31A-2A-102, 31-2A-104, 31-2A-105, 31-2A-110, 31-2A-112, 31-2A-112, 31-2A-114, 31-2A-143, 31-2A-148, 31-2A-149, 31-2A-1, 31-2A-2, 31-2A-6, 31-2A-7, 31-2A-12, 31-2A-15, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-19, 31-2A-22, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-29, 31-2A-30, 31-2A-34, 31-2A-35, 31-2A-36, 31-2A-38, 31-2A-46, 31-2A-51, 31-2A-52, 31-2A-54, 31-2A-58, 31-2A-66, 31-2A-73, 31-2A-112, 31-2A-112, 31-2A-130, 31-2A-136, 31-2A-1, 31-2A-15, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-26, 31-2-3, 31-2-3, 31-2A-2, 31-2A-6, 31-2A-7, 31-2-106, 31-2A-12, 31-2A-15, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-19, 31-2A-17, 31-2A-22, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-29, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-30, 31-2A-136, 31-2A-34, 31-2A-32, 31-2A-35, 31-2A-36, 31-2A-38, 31-2A-32, 31-2A-27, 31-2A-27, 31-2A-60, 31-2A-46, 31-2A-51, 31-2A-52, 31-2A-52, 31-2A-45, 31-2A-54, 31-2A-58, 31-2A-57, 31-2A-60, 31-2A-66, 31-2A-73, 31-2A-112
Engrossed: 31-2A-1, 31-2A-2, 31-2A-6, 31-2A-7, 31-2A-12, 31-2A-15, 31-2A-16, 31-2A-19, 31-2A-22, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-29, 31-2A-30, 31-2A-34, 31-2A-35, 31-2A-36, 31-2A-38, 31-2A-46, 31-2A-51, 31-2A-52, 31-2A-54, 31-2A-58, 31-2A-66, 31-2A-73, 31-2A-130, 31-2A-136