The bill designed to update and strengthen Alaska’s Military Code of Justice passed the state House just before noon Wednesday.
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux of Anchorage says the revisions included in the bill makes the state codes similar to federal code.
That way, Alaskan military members not covered by federal regulations, like members of the Alaska National Guard, have protections.
The legislation passed with a 39-0 vote int he House and now heads to the Senate.
The House’s approval comes 17 months after a scathing report on Alaska’s National Guard which highlighted issues with favoritism, officer misconducts, and a lack of accountability in the organization.
Representative LeDoux says the state needed a way to prosecute misconduct within its ranks and that the revision will allow it to maintain better order and discipline.