The bill amends Sections 31-2A-15 and 31-2A-19 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which govern military punishment, to clarify and expand the disciplinary measures that can be imposed on military personnel. Key changes include the definition of "day" for punishment purposes, allowing for a more precise understanding of timeframes related to disciplinary actions. The bill specifies that commanding officers at brigade or battalion levels can impose various punishments, including admonitions, reprimands, and reductions in pay grades, with new provisions allowing for reductions to the lowest or intermediate pay grades for enlisted members who are E-4 and below. Additionally, it allows for the imposition of punishments by higher-ranking officers on enlisted members up to E-9 and introduces a new provision for reducing enlisted members from E-5 to E-9 by up to two pay grades.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for appealing punishments and clarifies that disciplinary actions do not preclude further legal action in court-martial or civilian courts for serious offenses. It also emphasizes the rights of the accused, including the right to consult counsel regarding non-judicial punishment. The amendments replace certain terms and conditions, such as changing the rank for reductions from E-6 to E-9 and specifying the maximum duration for combined punishments. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.