Washington state has enacted a new law that strengthens its control over the deployment of out-of-state National Guard troops within its borders. Signed into law on Monday by Governor Bob Ferguson, the legislation prohibits the entry of National Guard units from other states, territories, or districts without explicit approval from the governor.
The measure, which took effect immediately due to an emergency clause, was introduced to affirm the state’s autonomy in the face of potential outside enforcement that could conflict with local values.
“We cannot allow armed forces to enter our state and carry out actions that go against Washington’s core principles,” Governor Ferguson stated during the bill signing. “This law is a clear affirmation of state sovereignty within our federalist system.”
The legislation allows for continued collaboration with National Guard forces from other states through mutual aid agreements, particularly for disaster response and emergency recovery. It also preserves the authority of the President of the United States to activate military personnel in Washington under federal jurisdiction.
House Bill 1321 was introduced by Representative Sharlett Mena of Tacoma, who emphasized the importance of the law in protecting Washington’s immigrant communities. Without this legal safeguard, she noted, there was no statutory barrier preventing National Guard troops from entering Washington without state approval.
Washington now joins a growing list of states—including Montana, Idaho, Kansas, and Texas—that have passed similar legislation to assert control over the presence of outside military forces within their jurisdictions.
Despite its alignment with laws supported by Republican lawmakers in conservative-leaning states, the bill did not receive any Republican support in Washington’s Legislature.
The new law was among several key policy measures highlighted in Governor Ferguson’s inaugural address. He is expected to continue signing additional legislation passed during the current session, which is scheduled to adjourn this Sunday.
