SB204 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code of Military Justice (Sections 31-2A-2, 31-2A-5, 31-2A-17, 31-2A-26, 31-2A-32, 31-2A-46, 31-2A-47, and 31-2A-52) to conform with recent amendments to the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice.

• Establishes preliminary hearing requirements for general court-martial charges, with purposes limited to determining probable cause, court-martial jurisdiction, form of charges, and recommended disposition.

• Requires preliminary hearing officers to be impartial judge advocates or, in exceptional circumstances, other impartial hearing officers, with hearing officers equal to or senior in grade to military counsel when practicable.

• Clarifies court-martial jurisdiction and venue procedures, including subpoena authority, witness compulsion processes, and equal opportunity for trial and defense counsel to obtain witnesses and evidence.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.