WA bill to restrict outside National Guard from entering state advances in Legislature
A bill that would give the governor authority to limit other states’ National Guard troops from deploying in Washington, unless they are mobilized by the president, passed the state House on Monday.
House Bill 1321, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, is intended to protect immigrant communities in the state. It follows a statement released by Republican governors from across the country offering National Guard support for President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
The bill would prevent other states from sending their National Guard troops into Washington to enforce federal laws. Its backers say the bill would not undermine military readiness or disaster response.
House Democrats approved the bill on a 58-37 party-line vote. Democrats say the bill protects the state’s sovereignty and autonomy.
“Without this bill, there is nothing to prevent other states from sending their National Guards here to carry out their own agendas,” Mena said. “I, for one, do not want an outside armed force in our state enforcing policies that may not be consistent with what we have.”
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/03/11/wa-bill-to-restrict-outside-national-guard-from-entering-state-advances-in-legislature/