Recent legislative actions in Vermont, Virginia, and Washington have introduced significant changes affecting their State Defense Forces and National Guard members. These updates range from redefining operational roles and disaster response capabilities to enhancing benefits, rights, and training opportunities for service members. B
Vermont Senate Bill 310, titled “An Act Relating to Natural Disaster Government Response, Recovery, and Resiliency,” alters the capabilities of the Vermont State Guard by modifying it in the state’s Mutual Aid Agreement.
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Virginia has enacted several significant pieces of legislation strengthening the rights and responsibilities of its State Defense Force and National Guard members. House Bill 279 discuses paid leave for employees performing military duties with specific provisions for reinstatement after service. House Bill 1513 ensures that during a state of emergency, health insurance premiums for Virginia Defense Force and National Guard members activated for at least 14 consecutive days can be covered by the state if their employer ceases coverage. Additionally we updated other bills such as House Bill 96 & Senate Bill 172.
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Washington has introduced multiple legislative updates affecting the Washington State Guard. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1361 modernizes state employment practices, including payroll and employee classifications, benefiting Guard members working in civilian state roles. Senate Bill 5552 discusses state military forces, including the State Guard, to hold training exercises on state park lands. Additionally, multiple bills were introduced to provide free hunting and fishing licenses to State Guard and National Guard members, recognizing their service and supporting recreational access for service members
