TN: Bill boosting Guard AWOL penalties in trouble

[flashl]

Source: 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.
...

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 Times

Read more: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/mar/11/bill-boosting-guard-awol-penalties-trouble/

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Lawmakers just keep thinking of great ways to boost morale. Where do they find the time?

[jody]

1. If Texas had that law back in 1972, then AWOL would have served time. n/t

[Benhurst]

2. Are you kidding? Bush Crime Family members are above the law.

[jody]

3. I know, allegedly * did community service in the MLK center in Houston in 72 or 73 in lieu of a

sentence for cocaine possession or dealing.

[Arctic Dave]

4. I think the Tennessee lawmakers need to STFU!!!!!

Or donn a uniform and get their sorry fat asses over to Iraq themselves.