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AL SB53
Bill
Status
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Merika Coleman-Evans
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AI Summary
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Courts must continue criminal and civil cases when a party or their lead attorney is absent due to active duty in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces, provided the remaining party or attorney states they cannot safely proceed without the absent individual
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Cases involving unavailable military witnesses must be continued if the witness is material and necessary, located outside the state, and a formal request for testimony has been submitted to military authorities under 5 U.S.C. § 301
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When the state receives a military-related continuance in criminal cases, the court must set bail for the defendant, except bail is discretionary for violent offenses and prohibited for capital offenses
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The Alabama Supreme Court is directed to amend its court rules to conform with these requirements
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Effective date: October 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Criminal and civil procedure; continuance of case when party, attorney, or witness is on active military duty; bail required to be set in such cases subject to conditions
Courts & Judges
Last Action
Pending Senate Judiciary
1/13/2026