This bill proposes several updates to the qualifications and responsibilities of the Adjutant General (TAG) and Assistant TAGs in Arizona. Under the new provisions, the TAG must be a current resident of Arizona or establish residency within 90 days of appointment, and can qualify by either serving two of the last five years in the National Guard or being a general officer with at least five years of service at the rank of colonel or higher. Additionally, the requirement for TAG to attain federal recognition as a brigadier general is modified to apply only if the appointee is not already a general officer. The bill also mandates that both current and retired officers provide evidence of good standing with military service requirements before and after their appointment, respectively.

Furthermore, the bill allows TAG to enter into contracts for various operational needs, such as training and emergency services, rather than mandating the establishment of an educational program known as "Project Challenge." While the educational program remains an option, it is now subject to legislative appropriations and the Governor's approval. The qualifications for Assistant TAGs are expanded to include being assigned in the Arizona National Guard and receiving federal recognition within 24 months of appointment, along with maintaining good standing with military standards. Overall, these changes aim to modernize the qualifications and operational flexibility of the TAG and Assistant TAG roles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 26-102, 26-181, 26-153, 41-1825, 26-152
Senate Engrossed Version: 26-102, 26-181, 26-153, 41-1825, 26-152
House Engrossed Version: 26-101, 26-102, 26-104, 26-181, 38-211, 38-611, 26-153, 41-1825, 26-152
Chaptered Version: 26-101, 26-102, 26-104, 26-181, 38-211, 38-611, 26-153, 41-1825, 26-152