The Arizona State Legislature is currently deliberating on the formation of a State Guard, a proposal that is under review by the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee. This initiative aims to establish a governor-controlled armed force dedicated to protecting the lives, liberty, and property of Arizona’s citizens. The proposed legislation outlines the guard’s powers and duties, including assisting & augmenting The National Guard & Civil Agencies, the process for volunteer enlistment, and operational guidelines. It also details the legal framework for the guard’s actions, emphasizing adherence to state and federal constitutional standards. This move reflects Arizona’s efforts to enhance its emergency and military readiness, addressing unique security challenges within its jurisdiction.
This document outlines a concurrent resolution from the State of Arizona, proposing the establishment and maintenance of the Arizona State Guard as an armed force under the command of the Governor. The resolution seeks to enact and submit to the voters a measure concerning emergency and military affairs, specifically the repeal and addition of Section 26-174 in the Arizona Revised Statutes. The key aspects of the proposed measure include:
- Establishment of the Arizona State Guard: Under the governor’s command, this armed force is tasked with safeguarding the lives, liberty, and property of Arizona citizens. The Governor is responsible for adopting rules governing its administration, organization, and volunteer enlistment process.
- Powers and Duties: The Arizona State Guard is authorized to enforce all criminal laws within a defined jurisdictional zone, which includes areas near international borders, Indian reservations abutting international borders, and state borders. This enforcement includes certain United States Code sections related to immigration.
- Detention and Arrest Powers: Members of the Arizona State Guard can detain or arrest individuals suspected of violating relevant laws within the jurisdictional zone and are authorized to transfer custody to state or local law enforcement agencies.
- Legal Protections and Obligations: Members must meet minimum qualifications and adhere to training standards. They are classified as law enforcement officers and are required to take an oath of service. The Arizona State Guard must operate within the bounds of the Arizona and United States Constitutions.
- Attorney General’s Role: The Attorney General is tasked with defending the Arizona State Guard and its members against lawsuits related to their duties and can develop policies for operational procedures.
- Public Enforcement Rights: Arizona citizens are granted the right to bring legal action to enforce the provisions of this section.
- Jurisdictional Zone Defined: The jurisdictional zone encompasses areas within fifty miles of an international border, five miles of borders with Indian reservations abutting an international border, and borders with other states.
The resolution mandates that the Secretary of State submit this proposition to voters at the next general election as prescribed by the Constitution of Arizona, becoming law upon voter approval and proclamation by the Governor.
Here is the status of the bill:
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: Introduced on February 8 2024 – 25% progression
Action: 2024-02-12 – House read second time
Pending: House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee
Here is the full Document:
State of Arizona
House of Representatives
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
2024HCR 2059
Introduced by
Representatives Kolodin: Chaplik, Jones
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
ENACTING AND ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE PEOPLE A MEASURE RELATING TO EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
1. Under the power of the referendum, as vested in the Legislature, the following measure, relating to emergency and military affairs, is enacted to become valid as a law if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
AN ACT
REPEALING SECTION 26-174, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES; AMENDING TITLE 26, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 3, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 26-174; RELATING TO EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Repeal
Section 26-174, Arizona Revised Statutes, is repealed.
Sec. 2. Title 26, chapter 1, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 26-174, to read:
26-174. Arizona state guard; powers and duties; rules; members; oath; attorney general duties; definition
A. THE GOVERNOR SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN AN ARMED FORCE KNOWN AS THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD TO SAFEGUARD AND PROTECT THE LIVES, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY OF THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE. THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD SHALL BE UNDER THE FINAL COMMAND AND CONTROL OF THE GOVERNOR AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF. THE GOVERNOR SHALL ADOPT RULES TO GOVERN THE ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD, INCLUDING ESTABLISHING A CHAIN OF COMMAND AND A PROCESS BY WHICH INDIVIDUALS MAY VOLUNTEER OR ENLIST AND REPORT FOR DUTY AS A MEMBER OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY ASSIST THE GOVERNOR IN FORMULATING THESE RULES. THE GOVERNOR MAY PROVIDE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD TO BE COMPENSATED UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES THE GOVERNOR DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
B. THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD SHALL DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. ENFORCE ALL CRIMINAL LAWS OF THIS STATE WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE. THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD MAY NOT ENFORCE CRIMINAL LAWS OUTSIDE OF THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE.
2. ENFORCE 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTIONS 1324 THROUGH 1326 WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE.
3. PERFORM ALL OTHER DUTIES, WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE, AS THE GOVERNOR DEEMS NECESSARY AND PROPER TO SAFEGUARD THE LIVES, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY OF THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE.
C. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD MAY DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. REFER ANY VIOLATION OF THE CRIMINAL LAWS OF THIS STATE OR OF 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTIONS 1324 THROUGH 1326 TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE PROSECUTING AUTHORITY.
2. ARREST OR DETAIN ANY PERSON WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE WHO IS SUSPECTED OF COMMITTING A VIOLATION OF THE CRIMINAL LAWS OF THIS STATE OR OF 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTIONS 1324 THROUGH 1326.
3. TRANSFER CUSTODY OF ANY PERSON WHO IS ARRESTED OR DETAINED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION TO ANY STATE OR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
4. AT ITS OWN EXPENSE, POST SIGNS WARNING AGAINST TRESPASSING AND OTHER SIMILAR WARNING SIGNS WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE. WITH THE CONSENT OF A PROPERTY OWNER, THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD MAY POST WARNING SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL ZONE.
D. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, MEMBERS OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD SHALL:
1. BE CLASSIFIED AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
2. HAVE AT LEAST THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 41-1822.
3. COMPLY WITH ALL RULES ESTABLISHED BY THE ARIZONA PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING BOARD AND WITH ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE TRAINING CERTIFICATION AS THE GOVERNOR MAY DIRECT.
E. EACH MEMBER OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD SHALL TAKE AN OATH OR AFFIRMATION IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FOLLOWING FORM:
I, ______ (FIRST AND LAST NAME)��� , DO SOLEMNLY ����� SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE ����� CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME, THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA, THAT I MAKE THIS OBLIGATION FREELY, WITHOUT ANY MENTAL RESERVATIONS OR PURPOSE OF EVASION, AND THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY AND IMPARTIALLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD, SO HELP ME GOD (OR SO I DO AFFIRM).
F. MEMBERS OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD MAY NOT DO EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. REQUIRE ANY PERSON WHOM THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD DETAINS, OTHER THAN THE OPERATOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION UNLESS THE MEMBER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED A VIOLATION OF 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTIONS 1324 THROUGH 1326 OR ANY CRIMINAL LAW OF THIS STATE.
2. CONDUCT ANY SEARCH, UNDERTAKE ANY SEIZURE OR DETAIN OR ARREST ANY PERSON IF DOING SO WOULD CONFLICT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA OR THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
G. AFTER A LAWFUL DETENTION OR ARREST PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, A MEMBER OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD MAY DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. REFER THE PERSON WHO IS DETAINED OR ARRESTED TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WITH JURISDICTION FOR DETENTION AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
2. REFER THE PERSON WHO IS DETAINED OR ARRESTED TO A PROSECUTING AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION FOR PROSECUTION AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
3. IF THE GOVERNOR HAS MADE A DECLARATION OF INVASION, RETURN THE PERSON WHO IS DETAINED OR ARRESTED TO THE BORDER AT A LAWFUL POINT OF ENTRY.� THE PERSON MAY BE RETURNED TO THE BORDER ONLY WHEN A MEMBER OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD HAS OBSERVED THE PERSON CROSSING THE BORDER IN A LOCATION OTHER THAN A LAWFUL POINT OF ENTRY AND HAS ESTABLISHED PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED A VIOLATION OF 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTIONS 1324 THROUGH 1326.� THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO GOVERN THE CONDITIONS AND MANNER UNDER WHICH THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD MAY EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH.
H. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL DEFEND SUITS FILED AGAINST THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD AND AGAINST INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE ARIZONA STATE GUARD THAT ARISE OUT OF THEIR ACTIVITIES AS MEMBERS. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY BRING OR DEFEND SUITS OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION REASONABLY NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. THE GOVERNOR MAY RETAIN OUTSIDE COUNSEL TO BRING OR DEFEND ALL SUITS DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION.
I. PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-2021, ANY CITIZEN OF THIS STATE HAS STANDING TO BRING A SUIT TO ENFORCE THIS SECTION IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION. THE SUPERIOR COURT HAS NONEXCLUSIVE AND NONDISCRETIONARY JURISDICTION OVER SUCH SUITS.
J. THIS SECTION SHALL BE BROADLY CONSTRUED TO EFFECTUATE ITS PURPOSES.
K. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, “JURISDICTIONAL ZONE” MEANS THE AREA WITHIN:
1. FIFTY MILES OF AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER.
2. FIVE MILES OF ANY BORDER WITH AN INDIAN RESERVATION, IF PART OF THE RESERVATION ABUTS AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER.
3. FIVE MILES OF ANY BORDER WITH ANY OTHER STATE.
2. The Secretary of State shall submit this proposition to the voters at the next general election as provided by article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona.
The StateDefenseForce.com Lobbying Team has embarked on a pivotal mission to advocate for the establishment of a State Guard in Arizona, aiming to navigate this significant legislation through the committee stages to a full floor vote. Recognizing the critical importance of this initiative, our team is proactively reaching out to members of The House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, meticulously articulating the myriad benefits that a dedicated State Defense Force / State Guard would bring to assist and support The Arizona National Guard. This strategic endeavor represents our inaugural major project, underscoring our commitment to enhancing Arizona’s readiness and resilience through legislative advocacy.
As we delve into this ambitious project, our current trio of dedicated professionals is gearing up for an extensive campaign of engagement and persuasion, targeting key legislative stakeholders. To bolster our efforts and ensure a robust presence in the legislative arena, we are in the process of expanding our team, planning to recruit assistants in the near future. These additional hires will play a crucial role in our lobbying activities, enhancing our capacity to effectively communicate the critical need for a State Guard, thereby paving the way for the successful passage of this vital legislation. Our team is determined to make a lasting impact, contributing to the safety and well-being of Arizona through dedicated advocacy and strategic action.
To get updates on our efforts visit The Political Campaigning Section -> Political Campaigning
Source: Legiscan
