Senate Bill No. 1153, effective July 1, 2025, authorizes the Adjutant General to establish and remove certain state military awards, ribbons, and honors for members of the state armed forces. This bill modifies current law, which typically requires such awards to be established through legislative action or federal authorization. The new provisions allow the Adjutant General to create awards or ribbons within available appropriations and to remove any awards or ribbons that he establishes after the effective date. However, the bill explicitly prohibits the removal of any state military awards or honors created prior to July 1, 2025, or those established by the General Assembly.

In addition to the new authority regarding awards, the bill also includes various responsibilities of the Adjutant General, such as maintaining service records, issuing authorized service medals, and managing military property. The bill repeals the existing Section 27-20 and replaces it with updated language that incorporates these changes. The potential fiscal impact of the bill is minimal, depending on whether the Adjutant General chooses to establish new awards and the associated costs.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 27-20
VA Joint Favorable: 27-20
File No. 47: 27-20