Legislation to Update Alaska’s Code of Military Justice Passes the Alaska House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2018

Legislation to Update Alaska’s Code of Military Justice Passes the Alaska House

Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to update Alaska’s Code of Military Justice (ACMJ) to mirror recent updates to the Federal Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). House Bill 307, sponsored by House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), is a continuation of the successful effort in 2016 to update the state code for the first time since 1955.

“We continuously update civilian laws to protect public safety and to ensure justice is properly served.  We should do the same for the laws governing the Alaska National Guard,” said Rep. Tuck. “Updating the Alaska Code of Military Justice ensure fairness while giving commanders the tools they need to maintain good order and discipline.”

HB 307 updates recognized crimes under the Alaska Code of Military Justice and details offenses that are subject to court-martial proceedings. HB 307 also establishes a procedure for service members to register as a sex offender. Additionally, the bill updates consumer protections for Alaska National Guard members called to active duty.

“Our dedicated National Guard members must drop everything when they are called upon to protect our state and country. That means putting jobs and other commitments on hold for the greater good. I am pleased that House Bill 307 updates some of the protections available to National Guard members so that things like home or vehicle leases and telephone service contracts don’t go into arrears and decimate members’ finances,” said Rep. Tuck. “National Guard members can’t control when they are called to active duty, so it just makes common sense that we protect their financial security while they are protecting our security.”

House Bill 307 passed the Alaska House of Representatives today by a vote of 37-0. The bill will now be sent to the Alaska State Senate for consideration. 

For more information, please contact Kendra Kloster in Rep. Tuck’s office at (907) 465-2095.

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