AL HB281

Amends Section 30-3B-204 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which governs temporary emergency jurisdiction in child custody cases under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)

Removes the current requirement that courts must explicitly state in their order that a temporary emergency custody determination becomes final

Establishes automatic finality for temporary emergency custody determinations if no custody proceeding is commenced in a state with proper jurisdiction within 6 months of the determination

Applies when a child is present in Alabama and has been abandoned or needs emergency protection due to mistreatment or abuse of the child, sibling, or parent

Effective date: October 1, 2026