Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB178

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Report Pass: 10/11/23
• Refer: 10/11/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Annual reporting to the legislature of sexual harassment and assault that occurs in the Wisconsin National Guard and of changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Impact

A notable aspect of AB178 is its requirement for the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to also report changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) annually. This is significant as it aligns state military laws with updates to federal military laws, ensuring that state statutes remain relevant and effective. The DMA's report must summarize substantive changes and recommend whether they should be incorporated into Wisconsin law.

Summary

Assembly Bill 178 aims to enhance the oversight and transparency related to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault within the Wisconsin National Guard. The bill mandates that the Adjutant General submit an annual report to the Governor and the appropriate legislative committees, detailing any reported incidents of sexual misconduct among National Guard members. This report is to be publicly accessible and aims to hold the organization accountable for addressing sexual misconduct effectively. By establishing a systematic reporting framework, the bill seeks to improve the accountability and responsiveness of the Wisconsin National Guard to the concerns of its members.

Contention

The bill has the potential to garner contention due to the sensitive nature of the topics it addresses. Advocates for victims of sexual assault may support the bill as a step towards greater transparency, while some military personnel may express concern over the potential disclosures that could tarnish the reputation of the Wisconsin National Guard. Additionally, the balance between federal and state military regulations is a complex area that might trigger discussions about the autonomy of state legislatures versus federal directives.