Bill > S2843

This bill, titled the National Guard and Reserve Access to Counsel Act, aims to ensure that members of the National Guard and Reserves who are victims of sex-related offenses receive legal assistance. Specifically, it amends existing law to allow individuals who are not otherwise covered by military legal assistance programs but are members of a reserve component and have been victims of a sex-related offense during active duty, National Guard duty, or inactive-duty training, to access a Special Victims Counsel. This counsel will also be available if the offense occurred at any time and has a connection to their military service, as determined by the Secretary of Defense. The bill also makes a conforming amendment to ensure that references to eligibility for legal assistance are updated to reflect these expanded provisions.