Bill > HB548

This bill establishes new restrictions on the Governor's ability to deploy the Maryland Defense Force and National Guard into 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 duty through an instrumentality of war. The Governor is prohibited from ordering militia members into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress has either passed an official declaration of war or taken an explicit constitutional action to call forth the state militia to execute laws, repel an invasion, or suppress an insurrection. However, the bill does not prevent the Governor from deploying militia members under U.S. Defense Support of Civil Authorities provisions within the United States and its territories. The legislation aims to provide additional safeguards by ensuring that militia members are not sent into active combat situations without clear congressional authorization, while maintaining the Governor's ability to deploy troops for domestic emergencies and support of civil authorities. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0548?ys=2025RS