Bill > SB188

This bill creates the "Defend the Guard Act" which establishes strict conditions for deploying the Oklahoma National Guard into active duty combat. Specifically, the bill defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflicts, performing hazardous services in foreign states, or performing war-related duties. The Oklahoma National Guard can only be released into active duty combat if the United States Congress has either officially declared war through a constitutional process or explicitly called forth the Guard to execute federal laws, repel an invasion, or suppress an insurrection. The bill does not prevent the Governor from consenting to National Guard deployments for domestic civil authority missions within the United States or its territories. The legislation aims to provide additional oversight and protection for Oklahoma National Guard members by requiring a more formal congressional authorization for combat deployments, and it is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Military Affairs and Security

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb188&Session=2600