The proposed bill, HB2181, seeks to amend Arizona law regarding the National Guard's deployment into active duty combat. Under the new provisions, the National Guard cannot be called into active duty combat unless the United States Congress either passes an official declaration of war or takes specific action to call upon the National Guard for certain purposes, such as executing laws, repelling invasions, or suppressing insurrections. Additionally, the Arizona Legislature must provide specific authorization through a concurrent resolution for such deployment. The bill also mandates that the Governor must take necessary actions to comply with these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill defines key terms such as "active duty combat" and "official declaration of war," and includes a findings clause that emphasizes the exclusive power of Congress to declare war, citing historical perspectives from notable figures like George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. The legislation is designated as the "Defend the Guard Act," highlighting its intent to reinforce state authority over the deployment of the National Guard in combat situations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 26-164