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Chattanooga Times NASHVILLE — Local lawmakers’ efforts to boost criminal penalties for Tennessee National Guard members who go AWOL came under attack Monday in the Senate with several senators questioning the bill’s fairness.
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The bill applies only to nonfederally activated guardsmen who are absent without leave. Federally activated guard members come under the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The bill originally included several other infractions and sought to boost penalties from up to 30 days in jail to up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. The measure also boosted fines from $50 to up to $2,500.
But as amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee, the additional jail time was stripped from the bill as were other offenses such as insubordination. Sen. Watson called the removal of the other offenses a “wise move.”
Chattanooga TimesRead more:
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/mar/11/bill-boosting-guard-awol-penalties-trouble/
Lawmakers just keep thinking of great ways to boost morale. Where do they find the time?