The state House today passed a bill designed to strengthen the state’s Military Code of Justice. It passed on a 39-0 vote with one member absent, and now goes to the state Senate. Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, a Republican from Anchorage, says the revisions create a state code which is similar to the federal code.
The code would apply to military members in Alaska not covered by federal regulations, such as many members of the Alaska National Guard.
The approval in the House comes 17 months after a scathing report on Alaska’s National Guard highlighted substantial issues with favoritism, misconduct and a lack of confidence in the organization.
LeDoux says the state’s National Guard needed a way to punish misconduct within its ranks. The revisions will allow the organization to maintain good order and discipline.
