New military justice legislation in Iowa

Gov. Terry E. Branstad

On April 3, 2014, Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad signed legislation amending the state code of military justice, which applies to National Guard and Air National Guard personnel when not in federal service. The signed law appears here. An explanatory memorandum can be found here. The measure provides for certain offenses to be referred to civilian law enforcement authorities, and includes provision for restricted reports of sexual offenses. Several major offenses are excluded from military jurisdiction, while others are subject to concurrent military and civilian jurisdiction, with primary jurisdiction in civilian courts. The new law punishes interference with or retaliation against persons who wish to submit complaints to civilian law enforcement authorities.