OLYMPIA, Wash – National Guard troops from other states would need permission from Washington’s governor or the president to come into the state’s borders, according to a new state law.
Governor Ferguson signed House bill 1321 into law Monday. It goes into effect immediately.
Similar laws are already in place in Montana, Idaho and Texas.
“We welcome collaboration with National Guard forces when warranted, but only with our permission,” Governor Ferguson said. “We cannot have armed forces come into our state to enforce policies that are against our core values. I appreciated Rep. Mena’s leadership in bringing this important legislation to my desk.”
“This law ensures that Washington — not other states — decides what happens in our communities,” said Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), who proposed the bill. “It protects us from unauthorized and unaccountable military actions.”
The new law does not restrict the National Guard from supporting disaster response or recovery efforts.
According to the Washington State Standard, House Bill 1321 came after Republican governors put out a statement in December saying they were “ready to utilize every tool at our disposal,” including the National Guard, to enforce President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
You can watch video of Governor Ferguson signing the bill and hear his remarks at this link.
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