Bill > HB1450

This bill aims to increase legislative oversight over the Governor's deployment of the Georgia National Guard, which is the state's military force. It defines key terms like "active combat" (direct participation in armed conflict outside the U.S., excluding support roles), "federal mobilization" (when the National Guard is called up by the President or Congress for national duty), and "state active duty" (when the National Guard is paid for by state funds and ordered by the Governor for state purposes). The bill mandates that the Governor must notify legislative leaders and the Attorney General within 48 hours of ordering the National Guard to state active duty, providing details about the deployment's purpose, duration, cost, and number of personnel. Similarly, within seven days of federal mobilization, the Governor must inform these officials about the impact on state readiness and outline measures to maintain state operations. For deployments of 100 or more National Guard members, or in emergencies requiring immediate deployment, the Governor or the adjutant general (the commanding officer of the National Guard) must brief legislative committees and the Attorney General. Crucially, deployments exceeding 14 consecutive days or the initially reported duration require prior approval from both chambers of the General Assembly through a joint resolution, and if not approved, the deployment must end. The bill also restricts the National Guard's involvement in active combat unless Congress formally declares war or takes specific action to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or execute federal law, and limits their role in counterdrug operations to supporting law enforcement without conducting arrests or searches unless specifically authorized by law. Furthermore, it prohibits using the National Guard to intimidate voters and requires an annual report from the adjutant general to the General Assembly detailing all deployments, readiness, funding, and recruitment. The bill clarifies that these new provisions do not limit the Governor's authority for immediate life-saving actions or during declared national emergencies as required by the U.S. Constitution.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73613