New Washington State Law Requires Governor’s Approval for Entry of National Guard from Elsewhere

Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson signed a new law that requires National Guard from outside of the state to get approval from the governor before entering the state, unless the President has directly mobilized them.

The last time a President mobilized National Guard troops without the request of the appropriate governor was 1965.

The law is similar to existing laws in Idaho, Montana and Texas. It does not interfere with National Guard involvement in disaster response and recovery. It allows the state’s Guard units to continue to train with units from other states, and to be deployed at home or abroad when needed.

Ferguson said, “We welcome collaboration with National Guard forces when warranted, but only with our permission. We cannot have armed forces come into our state to enforce policies that are against our core values. I appreciated Rep. [Sharlett ] Mena’s leadership in bringing this important legislation to my desk.”

Rep. Mena (D-Tacoma) said, “This law ensures that Washington—not other states—decides what happens in our communities. It protects us from unauthorized and unaccountable military actions.”

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