House Bill No. 6440, titled "An Act Concerning the Organized Militia and the Governor's Guards," proposes significant changes to the governance and structure of the organized militia in Connecticut, 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 enables the Governor to reactivate military units historically related to these companies for parades and ceremonies, with the stipulation that no state funds will be used for such activations and participation must be voluntary. The bill repeals existing definitions and classifications of the militia, removing the Governor's Guards from the organized militia classification and clarifying that the organized militia will now consist of the Army and Air National Guard. Additionally, it modifies the appointment process for the Governor's military staff and mandates that the Adjutant General provide necessary arms and equipment to the organized militia, with costs covered by the state Comptroller.

Furthermore, the bill introduces amendments regarding the leasing and use of military facilities under the Adjutant General's jurisdiction. It requires applications for leasing military facilities to include a certificate of insurance to indemnify the state and federal governments against liabilities and expands the list of eligible organizations to include private military forces historically related to the former Governor's Guards. The bill also allows the Adjutant General to lease military facilities associated with the former Governor's Horse Guards to any person, provided the terms do not conflict with military usage. Proceeds from these leases will be directed to a newly established military facilities account for maintenance and renovation. The bill mandates the transfer of remaining balances from the Governor's Guards accounts to the military facilities account by June 30, 2025, and is projected to save the Connecticut Military Department approximately $330,000 annually starting in FY 26. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the operational framework of Connecticut's militia while streamlining financial management related to the Governor's Guards.

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