The bill amends various sections of the Government Code to clarify the organization and authority of the Texas State Guard and the Texas National Guard. It defines the "director" as the military commander of the Texas State Guard, with the governor responsible for appointing this director, similar to the role of the adjutant general for the National Guard. The bill specifies that the adjutant general's authority is limited to the Texas National Guard, while the director will manage the Texas State Guard. Additionally, it allows the governor to delegate powers to both the adjutant general and the director, ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities between the two entities.

Further amendments include the establishment of criteria for gallant conduct and meritorious service for both guards, the introduction of provisions for unit funds and state contributions for group benefits, and the requirement for a code of conduct for the Texas State Guard. The bill also emphasizes recruitment, retention, and training strategies, empowering the director to hire staff and develop partnerships with educational institutions. It outlines the governor's authority to mobilize the Texas State Guard during emergencies and mandates a transparent budgeting process. The bill includes provisions for the transfer of employees and functions from the Texas Military Department to the Texas State Guard by September 1, 2026, and requires the governor to appoint a director by February 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 437.001, Government Code 437.002, Government Code 437.003, Government Code 437.004, Government Code 437.005, Government Code 437.006, Government Code 437.053, Government Code 437.058, Government Code 437.059, Government Code 437.107, Government Code 437.110, Government Code 437.111, Government Code 437.114, Government Code 437.119, Government Code 437.152, Government Code 437.155, Government Code 437.160, Government Code 437.163, Government Code 437.201, Government Code 437.206, Government Code 437.211, Government Code 437.212, Government Code 437.219, Government Code 437.221, Government Code 437.225, Government Code 437.228, Government Code 437.229, Government Code 437.231, Government Code 437.355, Government Code 437.357 (Government Code 437)