Bill > H3308

This bill, known as the "Defend the Guard Act", proposes a significant restriction on the deployment of the South Carolina National Guard to active-duty combat. Specifically, the bill defines "active-duty combat" as participation in an armed conflict, performing hazardous services related to an armed conflict in a foreign state, or performing a war-related duty. Under the proposed legislation, the South Carolina National Guard cannot be released from state control for active-duty combat unless the United States Congress has either officially declared war (as outlined in the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, Clause 11) or has explicitly called forth the National Guard for specific constitutional purposes such as executing laws, repelling an invasion, or suppressing an insurrection. The Governor is required to take all necessary actions to ensure compliance with these restrictions. However, the bill explicitly preserves the Governor's authority to consent to National Guard deployments for civil authority missions within the United States and its territories. The act would take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, providing a new layer of state-level control over the deployment of National Guard troops in potential military conflicts.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3308&session=126&summary=B