Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to invoke cloture on a bill that amends the procedure for determination of whether to court-martial the trial of a military member who allegedly committed a certain offense, including sexual assault, effective 180 days after the enactment of the bill.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a chief of staff or commandant of the Armed Forces to permit a commissioned officer to determine whether to court-martial the trial of a military member who has allegedly committed, conspired, solicited, or attempted an offense that has a maximum prison sentence of more than 1 year including, but not limited to, the following offenses (Secs. 2 & 3):
• Rape and sexual assault;
• Stalking; or
• Other sexual misconduct.

• Requires the commissioned officer who will determine whether or not to court-martial a trial to meet the following requirements (Sec. 2):
• He or she is in the same military department as the member who is facing charges;
• He or she is outside the chain of command of the member who is facing charges or of an alleged victim;
• He or she is in grade O-6 or higher;
• He or she is available as trial counsel; and
• He or she has “significant” experience in trials by court-martial.

• Requires a judicial proceedings panel to monitor and assess the provisions and implementations of this bill (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text