AUGUSTA - Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, introduced LD 1783 before the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Monday that would implement recommendations from the Governor's Advisory Council on Military Sexual Trauma and take additional steps to support survivors of sexual assault and harassment within the Maine National Guard.
"This legislation is a direct product of efforts from survivors of military sexual trauma and the advocates who are working to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable," said Rielly. "It will help the Legislature create effective policy decisions using data, which we are currently lacking, to best support survivors and stop the abuse that exists within the Maine National Guard."
"LD 1783 would create one comprehensive report due on the same date each year for the Guard to report data to help support the Governor's Advisory Council on Military Sexual Trauma's continued work, as the Advisory Council requested in their recent report," said Melissa Martin of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. "The bill would also implement other recommendations of the Advisory Council to better address the needs of survivors of sexual violence."
Further, the bill amends requirements of the Victims' Compensation Fund to make it easier for Maine National Guard members to receive compensation. The bill also directs ongoing funding to help pay for a military sexual trauma liaison and associated programming costs. Additionally, it includes a provision to provide paid leave for survivors as well as alleged perpetrators, or an agreed upon alternative, when placed in state active duty.
"As you can imagine, working alongside an alleged perpetrator as a survivor during an ongoing investigation, or even alongside others on your team that may or may not know about the situation, is daunting and not conducive to a safe working environment," said Rielly. "I believe that it is within the best interest of the Maine National Guard to protect its team members and provide them with the support they need during what may be an incredibly traumatizing and demeaning experience. Further, a paid leave system ensures that alleged perpetrators cannot continue their behavior, which would help protect other team members."
LD 1783 is a continuation of successful legislation sponsored by Rielly during the 130th Legislature. LD 625 directed the Maine Adjutant General to submit a report outlining current practices and suggesting legislation regarding the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of sexual assault and harassment. LD 2029 required report backs from the Adjutant General and the Attorney General, amended the Maine Criminal Code to recognize the legal authority of the orders of military commanders outside of duty times and provided the Maine National Guard a seat on the Maine Commission on Domestic and Sexual Abuse.
The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee will schedule a work session in the coming weeks.
Rielly is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. He represents House District 127, which includes a portion of Westbrook.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Rielly], 305-965-2744