This bill mandates that the adjutant general provide financial assistance to current and former members of the national guard who are victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment. This assistance is intended to help cover reasonable travel expenses incurred while participating in related administrative or military justice proceedings. The bill clarifies that this provision does not alter or expand the victims' rights to participate in such proceedings. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "military protective order," which is an order issued against a current member of the armed forces by their commanding officer.

Furthermore, the bill allows military protective orders to be admissible as evidence in civil domestic violence protective order proceedings, thereby enhancing the legal framework for addressing domestic violence cases involving military personnel. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and its fiscal impact is considered indeterminable, as the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services cannot predict the number of victims who may seek financial assistance. However, they do not expect a significant fiscal impact due to the rarity of such cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 110-B:8, 173-B:1, 173-B:3, 173-B:9, 633:3-a
As Amended by the House: 110-B:8, 173-B:1