Arizona 2023 Regular Session

Arizona House Bill HB2320

Introduced

1/18/23

Caption

National guard; active duty combat

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the framework governing the mobilization of the national guard in Arizona. Under the current law, the governor has considerable discretion to deploy the national guard for various conflicts. However, this bill emphasizes that such actions must now align with Congressional declarations of war, thereby reinforcing legislative authority over military mobilization decisions. This change aims to ensure that state actions are compliant with federal constitutional mandates regarding war powers.

Summary

House Bill 2320, referred to as the 'Defend the Guard Act', seeks to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes to restrict the conditions under which the national guard can be called into active duty combat. Specifically, the bill mandates that the national guard can only be mobilized for active duty combat following an official declaration of war from the United States Congress or an equivalent action outlined in the Constitution. This legislative proposal reflects a growing concern regarding the executive branch's authority in military engagements without Congressional approval, reaffirming a constitutional check on war power.

Contention

The bill is likely to generate debate concerning the balance of power between state and federal authorities as well as between the legislative and executive branches. Critics may argue that this measure could impede rapid response capabilities in times of crisis, while supporters contend that it is a necessary step to prevent executive overreach and uphold constitutional governance. The historical references included in the bill to founding fathers' opinions highlight the philosophical underpinning of the measure, indicating a push for accountability in military decisions and a return to the original intent of the framers of the Constitution.

Latest HB2320 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

TX SJR1

Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.

NJ AJR97

Urges U.S. Congress to pass Equal Rights Amendment.

AL HJR104

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

AL SJR57

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

SC H3008

Convention of the States

HI HCR101

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.