Here are the legislative updates for the following States / State Defense Forces:
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Legislature has advanced Senate Bill 852, known as the Oklahoma State Guard and Militia Revitalization Act of 2025. The bill proposes a sweeping restructuring of the state militia system, establishing the Oklahoma State Guard with new leadership roles, county-level units, and training requirements. It adjusts the eligibility rules by lowering the minimum enlistment age to 16, removing the upper age limit, and requiring members to be of sound mind. Among its provisions, the legislation sets out clear guidelines for training, compensation, emergency readiness with sheriffs, and recruitment from recently discharged service members. It also creates a revolving fund to support the State Guard’s operations and funding structure.
South Carolina
The South Carolina General Assembly is considering several key measures this session that affect emergency services, liability protections, and the State Guard. House Bill 3997 broadens the definition of “first responders” to include county and municipal public works employees, extending to them the same tax benefits, legal protections, and family survivor rights as firefighters, State Guard members, and other emergency personnel. House Bill 3070 modifies the Tort Claims Act by narrowing immunity provisions, allowing claims against the state connected to judicial or administrative proceedings. Meanwhile, House Bill 4296 modernizes and simplifies the administration of the South Carolina State Guard by ensuring its members are clearly covered under labor and workers’ compensation laws while giving the Adjutant General greater flexibility in managing ranks and promotions. Together, these bills reflect both the legislature’s recognition of broader emergency responder roles and its effort to streamline the State Guard’s governance.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, lawmakers have passed measures that both honor service and strengthen the State Guard’s position within the Military Department. House Bill 1164 allows law enforcement officers to wear decorations and medals from the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or State Guard during the days around Memorial Day and Veterans Day, though agencies retain the right to restrict them if deemed unsafe. Senate Bill 293 clarifies the Tennessee State Guard’s official standing by designating it as a distinct entity within the Military Department for budgetary purposes, ensuring its financial and operational status is tracked independently. Taken together, these laws underscore the state’s commitment to recognizing military service and securing the State Guard’s role in Tennessee’s defense framework.
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