Bill > SB718

This bill, known as the Virginia National Guard Integrity and Democracy Protection Act, enacts several changes regarding the deployment and oversight of the Virginia National Guard. It requires the Governor to notify the General Assembly in writing within 48 hours of ordering the deployment of the Virginia National Guard for certain circumstances, and if such a deployment is intended to last longer than two weeks, the Governor must summon the General Assembly, which can then authorize the continuation of the deployment by a simple majority vote. The bill also mandates that the Adjutant General, the commanding officer of the National Guard, submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing all federal and state deployments, as well as information on retention, readiness, funding, and resources. Furthermore, it clarifies that the National Guard's role in counterdrug operations is strictly supportive, meaning they cannot engage in direct law enforcement activities like making arrests or serving warrants. The bill also explicitly prohibits the Governor from using the National Guard to intimidate or coerce individuals in their voting activities. Finally, it outlines specific procedures and requirements for when the Virginia National Guard is mobilized under federal authority, both within and outside the Commonwealth, including provisions for the General Assembly's involvement, legal assessments by the Attorney General, and the potential for withholding state resources if the deployment is deemed illegal or opposed by the Governor.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB718