MI
Michigan House Bill HB4336

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4336

Introduced
3/23/23  

Caption

Military affairs: other; release of the Michigan National Guard into active duty combat without an official act of Congress; prohibit. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 203.

Impact

The introduction of HB4336 could significantly shift the deployment practices of the Michigan National Guard by ensuring that the state National Guard is not unilaterally sent into combat by the executive branch without congressional approval. By solidifying this requirement into state law, the bill aims to enhance the legislative checks and balances regarding military engagement, reflecting a growing concern over military overreach and the mobilization of state forces without proper oversight.

Summary

House Bill 4336, known as the 'Defend the Guard Act', seeks to amend the Michigan Military Act by establishing conditions under which members of the Michigan National Guard can be deployed into active duty combat. Specifically, the bill states that no member of the Michigan National Guard should be released into combat unless there is an official declaration of war by the United States Congress or specific action taken to call forth the state militia for lawful purposes. This legislative measure emphasizes the need for federal authorization before state forces can be engaged in combat operations abroad.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding its implications for the state's military readiness and response capabilities. Proponents argue that the bill will protect service members from unnecessary deployments and ensure that the decision to engage in combat is a shared responsibility with the legislative body. However, opponents may raise concerns that this restriction could hamper the governor's ability to respond quickly to emergencies or conflicts that may require immediate action. The balance between state autonomy and federal military authority is likely to be a critical discussion point among legislators and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI SB0642

Military affairs: other; release of the Michigan National Guard into active duty combat without an official act of Congress; prohibit. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 203.

MI HB4163

Military affairs: other; release of the Michigan national guard into active duty combat without an official act of Congress; prohibit. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 203. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4164'25

MI HB4164

Military affairs: other; release of the Michigan National Guard into active duty combat without an official act of Congress; add related definitions. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 203a.

MI HB404

Require official action to release Montana national guard to active duty combat

MI HB527

Require official action to release Montana national guard to active duty combat

MI HB1056

Defend the Guard Act; create to require official declaration of war before national guard are called for active duty combat.

MI H7389

Requires an official declaration of war or an action to call forth the state militia by the United States Congress before members of the National Guard may be released from state control to participate in active duty combat.

MI H5378

Requires an official declaration of war or an action to call forth the state militia by the United States Congress before members of the National Guard may be released from state control to participate in active duty combat.

MI SB38

Creating the defend the guard act to establish when the Kansas national guard may be released into active duty combat.

MI HB2249

Creating the defend the guard act to establish when the Kansas national guard may be released into active duty combat.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.