The "Defend the Guard Act" is a proposed amendment to the South Carolina Code of Laws that seeks to restrict the deployment of the South Carolina National Guard into active-duty combat. The bill stipulates that the National Guard cannot be released from the state for active-duty combat unless the United States Congress has either passed an official declaration of war or taken specific actions to call forth the National Guard for certain purposes, such as executing laws, repelling invasions, or suppressing insurrections. The Governor is tasked with ensuring compliance with these requirements.

The bill defines "active-duty combat" and "official declaration of war," providing clarity on the circumstances under which the National Guard may be deployed. It also clarifies that the Governor retains the authority to deploy National Guard members for civil authority missions within the United States and its territories, ensuring that the act does not impede domestic operations. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 25-1-1930
Latest Version: 25-1-1930
12/06/2024: 25-1-1930