Whereas, members of the Maine Army National Guard are currently serving in combat zones; and

Whereas, it is imperative that this legislation take effect immediately so that insurance policies may be provided to the guard members who are currently serving in combat zones; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 37-B MRSA §385, first ¶, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 460, §3, is amended to read:

The Adjutant General may enter into insurance agreements with insurance companies for group life insurance on behalf of each participating national guardsman National Guard member called to state active duty and to pay from departmental funds the cost of each individual's premium for that insurance. A National Guard member who is serving in a combat zone must be provided with a $250,000 life insurance policy that must be paid for from departmental funds.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill provides a $250,000 life insurance policy free to members of the Maine Army National Guard who go into combat zones.