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Bill

S 2708

Relates to advanced transmission technologies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

The bill requires the Adjutant General to create and implement an in-service training for commanders on upholding lawful orders and recognizing rights-violating orders under the UC

AMENDED ON THIRD READING (T) 2708B
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Bill Summary · S 2708

Summary — S.2708 (2025): “An Act clarifying the duties of the adjutant general”

Main purpose / intent

This bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify the duties and authority of the Adjutant General and to require the Adjutant General to create and implement an in‑service training curriculum for commanders on lawful orders and related rights under federal military law. The stated intent is to formalize command authority and to ensure commanders train service members about upholding lawful orders and recognizing orders that violate constitutional or statutory rights under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Key provisions

  • Amends subsection (b) of G.L. c. 33, § 15 by replacing the second paragraph with language that:
    • Charges the Adjutant General with carrying out the policies of the Governor as Commander‑in‑Chief;
    • Authorizes the Adjutant General to issue orders in the name of the Commander‑in‑Chief; and
    • States that the Adjutant General “shall have command of the military forces of the commonwealth.”
  • Adds a sentence to the fourth paragraph of the same subsection requiring the Adjutant General to:
    • Create and implement an in‑service training curriculum for commanders to use in training their service members on upholding lawful orders;
    • Ensure that the curriculum includes guidance on orders that violate constitutional rights or statutory rights under the UCMJ, specifically referencing 10 U.S.C. § 892.

Who is affected

  • Primary: The Adjutant General of Massachusetts and commanders within the Commonwealth’s military forces (e.g., Massachusetts National Guard).
  • Secondary: Service members who will be subject to commander‑led in‑service training; potentially the Governor’s office as Commander‑in‑Chief insofar as the Adjutant General executes policy in the Governor’s name.
  • Administrative impact: Development and delivery of the required training may have staffing, curricular, and budgetary implications for the Adjutant General’s office and units.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: September 4, 2025.
  • Latest listed status: REFERRED TO ENERGY (committee).
  • Other recorded actions include: printed as amended (11/6/2025), passed to be engrossed in the Senate (11/6/2025), and referral to House Ways and Means (11/10/2025). The provided legislative action history contains duplicated and out‑of‑sequence entries (some dated March 2025); readers should consult the official legislative website for the authoritative, current status.

Related legislation

  • Companion/related: H.R. 5134; A.8934 (companion); S.7868 (prior session).

Observations / caveats

  • The bill text focuses on Massachusetts General Laws (c.33) despite sponsor names and some metadata that may reference federal legislators or different subject matter; there are inconsistencies in the provided metadata (title “advancing grid enhancement technologies” does not match the bill text). Verify details on the official state legislative site for final bill text and status.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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