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MaineLD 57132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Enable Maine National Guard Commanders to More Efficiently Effect Disciplinary Measures Through the Maine Code of Military Justice

Sponsored By: Kenneth Fredette (Republican)

Became Law

NATIONAL GUARDNATIONAL GUARD - ADMINISTRATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger discipline powers for Guard commanders

Guard commanders can issue tougher nonjudicial punishments. Company‑grade officers (captain or below) can take up to one day’s pay, order up to 4 hours of extra duty, block promotion for up to one year, and reduce one grade for enlisted E‑4 and below. Field‑grade officers (major) can take up to 3 days’ pay, order up to 8 hours of extra duty, block promotion for up to one year, and reduce one grade for enlisted E‑6 and below. A lieutenant colonel or above can take up to 5 days’ pay, order up to 16 hours of extra duty, block promotion for up to one year, and reduce one grade for enlisted members with no pay‑grade limit.

State military discharges match federal forms

State military discharge papers and classifications now match federal military standards for enlisted members and officers. The Adjutant General can adopt rules that allow ending an officer’s state appointment before the service obligation ends. These are routine technical rules. The change can affect service records, benefits, and job prospects.

More legal counsel for Guard members

An attorney certified by a military branch’s judge advocate general can represent Maine National Guard members in proceedings under Title 37‑B, section 415‑A. This expands access to qualified counsel in those cases.

Nonlawyer and student participation in court

A marine patrol officer who is not an attorney can represent the Department of Marine Resources in a libel case under Title 12, section 6207, in District Court. Law students in ABA‑accredited schools can practice under a Supreme Judicial Court rule. These changes expand who may appear in these specific matters.

Broader Guard code coverage and offenses

All state Guard members are under the Maine Code of Military Justice unless on federal Title 10 duty. The Code applies during out‑of‑state service and travel. Offenses outside Maine may be tried inside or outside the State. Conduct that harms good order or discredits the military is punishable. DUI and driving to endanger under Title 29‑A, sections 2411 and 2413, are punishable under the Code.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kenneth Fredette

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 97

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/21/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/20/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-108) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-108), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/13/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-108).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/7/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. Received by the Clerk of the House on January 6, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    1/6/2025House

Bill Text

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