National Guard troops must receive permission from the Governor or be called into service by the president before entering Washington
OLYMPIA — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law a bill that restricts out-of-state military forces from entering Washington.
House Bill 1321, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), requires the Governor’s permission for National Guard troops from other states, territories or districts to enter Washington, unless they are mobilized by the president. Governor Ferguson mentioned the proposal in his inaugural address.
Other states have similar laws, including Montana and Texas. HB 1321 was modeled after a similar law in Idaho.
The new Washington law contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
“We welcome collaboration with National Guard forces when warranted, but only with our permission,” Governor Ferguson said. “We cannot have armed forces come into our state to enforce policies that are against our core values. I appreciated Rep. Mena’s leadership in bringing this important legislation to my desk.”
“This law ensures that Washington — not other states — decides what happens in our communities,” said Rep. Mena. “It protects us from unauthorized and unaccountable military actions.”
National Guard military forces serve each state, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The National Guard is under command of each state or territory’s governor. Governors can deploy the National Guard for domestic emergencies in their state. Forces may also be deployed by the president for federal missions.
The new law does not restrict the National Guard from supporting disaster response and recovery efforts through mutual-aid agreements.
Washington’s National Guard can continue to train with units from other states and deploy domestically or internationally, when units from across the nation are called upon.
Washington can also continue to share resources for training, education and professional development of National Guard members with other states.
Watch Governor Ferguson’s remarks and bill signing here.
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