The bill amends the existing laws governing the Wyoming state guard by removing the requirement for the activation of the national guard as a prerequisite for organizing the state guard. It eliminates federal involvement in the Wyoming state guard, allowing the governor to independently organize and maintain the guard. The bill specifies that the Wyoming state guard will be established to preserve public peace, execute state laws, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion. Additionally, it updates the governance structure by allowing the governor to appoint a Wyoming state council of defense, which will assist in the operation of the state guard and other defense activities.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the source of payment for members of the Wyoming state guard, stating they will receive compensation from the general fund or from a continuous appropriation for public welfare emergencies. It also revises eligibility requirements, changing the age range for membership from 17-70 years to 25-65 years. The bill includes an appropriation of $25,000 from the general fund for the establishment and equipping of the Wyoming state guard, with a specified duration for the use of these funds. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-10-101, 19-10-102, 19-10-103, 19-10-105