The Ministry of Defense will be authorized to initiate the testing with the use of the polygraph of persons who do their military service within the Ministry of Defense, during the periodic or selective control of the service. This is provided in a draft law that was proposed for public consultations, IPN reports.

The bill notes that, in several states, the military and defense personnel who have access to sensitive sector information or classified information can be tested with the polygraph to ensure that they are not involved in activities that could compromise national security.

The polygraph test could also be used to assess the integrity and honesty of servicemen during internal inquires. This will help identify people who could pose a risk to the defense institution, through the unauthorized transmission of discreet departmental information.

“In this regard, given the specifics of the military service, the Ministry will be able to initiate and carry out the actual testing with the use of the polygraph. The testing will be conducted by a certified specialist, in accordance with the provisions of the regulatory framework in the field,” says the draft law.

In addition, the bill suggests excluding arrest as a disciplinary penalty applicable to conscript soldiers and to soldiers and sergeants employed on a contract basis, and authorizing the general commander of the General Inspectorate of Carabineers to apply disciplinary penalties to the subordinate personnel. “The general commander of the General Inspectorate of Carabineers, based on his/her status and powers, is the head of the military institution whose right to apply disciplinary penalties should be exercised fully,” reads the draft law.

The bill will be discussed at public consultations until July 29.