A full-time or part-time member of the Maine National Guard who is in active state service pursuant to section 181‑A and who reports that the member is a victim of a sexual assault or sexual harassment by another member of the Maine National Guard may request paid leave during any pending investigation, and paid leave must be granted if the reporting party requests it. A full-time or part-time member of the Maine National Guard who is in active state service pursuant to section 181‑A and who is the responding party in an investigation of sexual assault or sexual harassment must be placed on paid leave pending completion of the investigation, unless the reporting party consents to an alternative arrangement after consultation with counsel for the Maine National Guard. If a reporting party takes paid leave but wishes to return to work prior to completion of the investigation, an evaluation of supervisory or reporting structures must be completed and modified as necessary to avoid further alleged conduct by the responding party.   [PL 2023, c. 474, §4 (NEW).]