House Bill No. 6440, titled "An Act Concerning the Organized Militia and the Governor's Guards," proposes significant changes to the governance and operational framework of Connecticut's organized militia, effective July 1, 2025. The bill allows members of the former four companies of the Governor's Guards to operate as a private military force, aligning with the definition in section 27-101 of the general statutes. It also grants the Governor the authority to reactivate military units historically related to these companies for parades and ceremonies, while ensuring that no state funds will be used for such reactivations and that participation is voluntary. The bill repeals and replaces existing statutes to redefine the organized militia, which will now consist of the State Guard and other military forces designated by the Governor, effectively removing the Governor's Guards from this structure.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments regarding the leasing and use of military facilities, requiring applications to be submitted to the Adjutant General, who will approve them based on insurance provisions. It expands the list of eligible organizations for leasing military facilities to include private military forces historically related to the former Governor's Guards, while removing the requirement for lease proceeds to be transmitted to the State Treasurer. A new "military facilities account" will be established within the General Fund for maintenance and renovation of military facilities, with balances from the Governor's Guards accounts being transferred to this new account by June 30, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the management of military facilities and enhance operational efficiency while ensuring the historical traditions of the Governor's Guards are preserved.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-10d, 27-2, 27-15, 27-21, 27-39
VA Joint Favorable: 3-10d, 27-2, 27-15, 27-21, 27-39
File No. 258: 3-10d, 27-2, 27-15, 27-21, 27-39