S 1526 — Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act

Summary

Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act This bill addresses sexual assault in the armed forces. It directs the Department of Defense to establish a Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct. Upon a determination not to refer a case of alleged sexual assault for trial by court-martial, the commander making such determination shall notify the victim, at least monthly, of the status of further action. The bill also allows each military department to detail certain enlisted members meeting requirements for acceptance of a commission as commissioned officers as students at accredited U.S. law schools for a period of legal training leading to a law degree. A service member agreeing to such training will, upon completion, accept a commission as a judge advocate or law specialist. Selections shall be on a competitive basis for active duty for a two-year period (in addition to any other service obligation).

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html May 16, 2019

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct within the Department of Defense and creates specific protocols for notifying victims of alleged sexual assault.

• SEC. 2

  The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain within the Department of Defense an advisory committee to be known as the 'Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct'.

  Creates a new advisory committee to focus on the prevention of sexual misconduct in the Armed Forces.

• SEC. 3

  Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, upon a determination not to refer a case of alleged sexual assault for trial by court-martial, the commander shall periodically notify the victim of the status of a final determination on further action on such case.

  Mandates notification to victims regarding the status of their case after a decision not to proceed with court-martial.

• SEC. 4(a)

  The Secretary of each military department may detail enlisted members of the armed forces as students at accredited law schools for training leading to the degree of bachelor of laws or juris doctor.

  Permits enlisted military members to attend law school under specific conditions.

• SEC. 4(b) (Eligibility for Detail)

  To be eligible for detail under subsection (a), a member must be a citizen of the United States and must have served on active duty for a period of not less than four years nor more than eight years.

  Sets specific eligibility criteria for enlisted members to attend law school.

• SEC. 4(b)(2)

  A member must sign an agreement that they will complete the educational course of legal training and upon completion, accept a commission as a commissioned officer in the armed forces.

  Imposes a requirement for service obligation following legal training.

• SEC. 4(e)

  The aggregate number of enlisted members detailed under this section and commissioned officers detailed under section 2004 of this title in any fiscal year may not exceed 25.

  Limits the number of law school details from the military to ensure manageability.

• SEC. 4(b)

  Any time of a member in a course of legal training shall not count toward satisfaction of any period of service required under the current contract of the member.

  Clarifies that time spent in law school does not count towards other service obligations.

• SEC. 4(c)

  Members detailed for legal training shall be selected on a competitive basis by the Secretary of the military department.

  Establishes a competitive selection process for enlisted members attending law school.

Action History

1. May 16, 2019

   Introduced in Senate

2. May 16, 2019

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Sponsors

• Kyrsten Sinema · Primary

Subjects