AL HB60

Courts must grant continuances in criminal cases when the defendant, defense attorney, victim, victim's representative, or prosecutor is absent due to active duty service in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces

Courts must continue criminal or civil cases when a material witness is unavailable due to active military duty, provided the movant has submitted a formal request to military authorities for the witness's testimony

Defendants must be granted bail when the prosecution receives a military-related continuance, except for violent offenses, sex offenses, capital offenses, or cases where bail was previously revoked or denied

Civil cases must be continued when a party or their attorney is absent due to active military service, unless the court finds it would substantially prejudice another party or burden the administration of justice

Effective date is October 1, 2026, and the Alabama Supreme Court is directed to amend its rules to conform with the act