Bill > SF0045

This bill modifies Wyoming's state guard legislation by removing federal prerequisites and increasing state-level autonomy. Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement that the state guard can only be organized when the national guard is called into federal service, and instead allows the governor to establish and maintain a state guard at their discretion. The bill empowers the governor to create a state guard for purposes including preserving public peace, executing state laws, suppressing insurrection, and repelling invasion. The legislation also establishes that state guard members will receive pay through legislative appropriation or from a continuous emergency welfare fund, with compensation not exceeding 75% of equivalent national guard rates. The governor gains expanded authority to requisition arms and equipment without federal involvement, and a new state council of defense will be appointed to coordinate state defense activities. To support these changes, the bill includes a $25,000 appropriation to the governor's office for establishing and equipping the state guard, with funds allocated from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The key innovation is creating a more state-controlled military force that can be activated independently of federal military mobilization.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0045