The bill amends various sections of the Oklahoma Statutes concerning the Oklahoma National Guard, particularly focusing on the authority of the Adjutant General and the Governor regarding state militia operations. Notably, it removes the Adjutant General's power to arm members of the state military forces and introduces provisions that allow the Adjutant General to define the purpose of donations and bequests for National Guard members. The bill also mandates that compensation for certain members be funded through the Oklahoma National Guard Supplemental Retirement Pay Revolving Fund, with payments not to be made until January 1, 2027, or until funds are appropriated. Additionally, it clarifies eligibility for retirement benefits, requiring a minimum of twenty-five years of military service, including five years in the Oklahoma National Guard.

Further amendments address nonjudicial punishment within the Oklahoma National Guard, detailing the types of punishments enlisted members may face and the process for administering these punishments. The bill establishes a new Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Program to provide financial support to eligible Guard members enrolled in technology center schools, with assistance capped at three years and contingent on maintaining good academic standing. It also allows for the transfer of educational assistance entitlements to dependents, specifying conditions for transfer and usage. The bill includes provisions for the modification and revocation of transferred entitlements and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, while declaring an emergency for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 44-243, 44-815