Poland passes laws on Military Family Card and Military Gendarmerie

The Polish Sejm has passed two significant legislative updates concerning uniformed services. The first, the Military Family Card Act, establishes a system of benefits for personnel under the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Interior and Administration, including soldiers, police, and firefighters, as well as their families and veterans. Benefits include discounts on single and monthly train tickets, and priority admission to kindergartens for children of beneficiaries when changing residences.

However, the law excludes Volunteer Firefighters (OSP) from certain privileges, such as long-term rail discounts and non-queue access to medical facilities at ministry-run clinics. The act was passed with 431 votes in favor.

Separately, the Sejm approved an amendment to the Military Gendarmerie Act, expanding the agency's competencies. The new powers allow the Gendarmerie to exercise authority over non-soldiers, including the ability to identify witnesses of incidents like drone incursions on military territory and prosecuting individuals illegally wearing military uniforms. The amendment also empowers the Gendarmerie to investigate tender collusion within companies participating in military public procurement, even if no military personnel are involved. Additionally, the law introduces the use of body cameras for Gendarmerie soldiers and strengthens protection procedures for high-ranking officials, including the President and Prime Minister.