A new bill, House Bill 6440, set to be heard by Connecticut’s Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs, proposes a controversial reclassification of the Governor’s Guards, also known as the Connecticut State Defense Force / State Guard. The legislation, if enacted, would remove the Governor’s Guards from the Connecticut Military Department and recategorize them as a private military force, stripping them of their official state affiliation. This would mark a dramatic shift in the role and identity of an organization with historical roots dating back hundreds of years within the state.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the bill, the four historic companies of the Governor’s Guards—the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, First Company Governor’s Horse Guard, and Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard—would no longer fall under the “organized militia” of Connecticut. Instead, effective July 1, 2025, they may organize as a private military force as defined in state statutes (Section 27-101). This reclassification would allow the former units to preserve their history, traditions, and ceremonial functions as a private entity but sever their direct ties to state oversight and funding.
Key Changes Outlined in the Bill
- Removal from the Organized Militia
The Governor’s Guards would no longer be part of Connecticut’s organized militia, which currently includes the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Governors Guards. - Transition to Private Status
The Governor’s Guards would become a private military force and act independently from the state. - Ceremonial Activation by the Governor
The Governor retains the authority to reactivate the units for specific events but without the financial or logistical support of the state. - Reallocation of Funds
Existing funds tied to the Governor’s Guards would be transferred to other military accounts, including the Military Department’s morale and welfare account and the military facilities account.
Full Bill:
Bill-Text-CT-HB06440-2025-General-Assembly-Introduced-LegiScanImplications of the Proposed Changes
The proposed legislation raises significant questions about the future of the Governor’s Guards and their role in Connecticut. Established in the 1700s, these units hold a storied place in the state’s military history, serving as ceremonial and support units with a mission to represent Connecticut at events and provide supplemental assistance during emergencies. Their transition to a private entity would mark the end of an era and alter the fabric of Connecticut’s military tradition.
Critics of the bill argue that this move diminishes the state’s ability to better respond to natural disasters, assist and augment The National Guard & sever the history link The Governors Guards with The State.
The Connecticut Governor’s Guards: A Vital Asset During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Connecticut Governor’s Guards demonstrated their critical value to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically known for their ceremonial duties, these storied units shifted focus to provide substantial support during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Working alongside the Connecticut National Guard and the Connecticut Department of Health, the Governor’s Guards played a pivotal role in setting up emergency mobile field hospitals across the state. These hospitals were strategically deployed in Sharon, Middletown, Hartford, and Danbury, providing much-needed recovery centers to alleviate the overflow of patients in traditional hospitals. Their efforts ensured Connecticut’s healthcare system remained functional during the peak of the crisis.
Additionally, members of the Governor’s Guards assisted The National Guard and various State Agencies in a multitude of missions ranging from administrative, medical to logistical. This hands-on logistical and medical support, amplified their impact and highlighted their importance as a flexible, capable force ready to assist during emergencies. Their adaptability and dedication solidified their role as unsung heroes during the pandemic, earning them recognition and respect across Connecticut.
A Growing Role Within the Connecticut Military Department
In recent years, the Connecticut Governor’s Guards have transitioned into a more integral component of the state’s military preparedness. Beyond their pandemic efforts, they have worked closely with the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard to enhance their readiness. Joint training exercises, including ruck marches and drill and ceremony sessions, have strengthened interoperability between the units. Furthermore, the Guards have prioritized expanding their emergency medical capabilities, focusing on CPR and first aid to increase their utility in future crises.

Recent training exercises saw the Governor’s Guards refining their ability to quickly and efficiently deploy mobile field hospitals, ensuring their readiness for statewide or national emergencies. These efforts underscore the evolution of the Governor’s Guards from a primarily ceremonial force to a vital asset within the Connecticut Military Department, capable of addressing the modern challenges faced by the state. Their dedication to expanding their mission set and their collaboration with the National Guard demonstrate their commitment to serving the people of Connecticut in meaningful and impactful ways.
Reason For The Change
We reached out to the office of the Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs and were informed that House Bill 6440 was proposed by the committee as part of an effort to reprioritize fiscal resources within the state budget, reallocating funding to better support the Connecticut National Guard. While we understand the importance of ensuring adequate resources for the National Guard, we firmly believe that removing the Governor’s Guards from the state’s military structure is a mistaken approach that undermines their operational significance and vital importance to the state. Despite operating on small fiscal budgets, State Defense Forces provide immense value, saving their states millions of dollars in expenses—far exceeding the limited funding they receive.
Looking Ahead
At StateDefenseForce.com, we are steadfast in our opposition to this legislation, recognizing the significant negative consequences that removing the Governor’s Guards from Connecticut’s military forces would entail. This proposed change threatens to sever a vital state asset during emergencies as well as any historical link between the Guards and the state, undermining their ability to serve Connecticut effectively during times of crisis. We are committed to taking action by reaching out to every member of the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs to articulate these concerns and advocate for preserving the Governor’s Guards as an integral part of the state’s military structure. We also urge you, as engaged citizens, to join us in voicing opposition to this bill. Contacting committee members and sharing your perspective is a crucial step in safeguarding the legacy and ongoing contributions of the Governor’s Guards. Together, we can ensure their continued service to Connecticut and its communities.
To address these concerns, representative(s) from the StateDefenseForce.com will be attending the upcoming committee meeting, either in person or via Zoom, to present our case and advocate for preserving the Governor’s Guards as an integral part of Connecticut’s military forces.
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Our dedicated staff members invest a great deal of time and effort into developing briefs, preparing documentation, making calls, engaging with committee members to discuss this critical bill, as well as possibly sending staff member(s) to Connecticut to speak to the committee. To support their hard work, we need to provide them with some financial compensation or at least cover their travel expenses. Even a small contribution—just $1 a month—can make a meaningful difference. Your support is vital to sustaining our efforts. Please consider helping us today.
Sign The Petition & Make a Difference
The Governor’s Guards have launched a Change.org petition urging the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs to oppose House Bill 6440 and preserve their role as part of Connecticut’s military forces. We strongly encourage you to begin by signing this petition to show your support for this vital cause. After signing, we recommend taking further action by reaching out directly to the committee members via phone and email to express your opposition to this legislation. Your voice can make a significant difference in ensuring the Governor’s Guards remain a valued and active component of Connecticut’s military heritage and readiness.
Here is a list of the Committee:
We first recommend contacting The Chairmen of The Committee:
Chair of Committee: State Senator – Paul Honig: 860-240-0598 – Email Them: Contact Form
Chair of Committee: Jaime Foster: 860-240-8585 – Email them at: Jaime.Foster@cga.ct.gov
We also encourage you to attend the hearing which will be held on January 30th at 1 PM EST at:
State Capitol Building, Room 1B of the LOB
210 Capitol Ave.
Hartford, CT 06106
United States
Here is a link to the committee’s hearing schedule -> Click Here
We will be sharing updates in the coming days to keep you informed about our ongoing efforts and actions regarding this legislation. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
Sources: Change.org – Legiscan – Committee On Veterans & Military Affairs – Hearing Schedule