IndianaBill would bar governors from assigning Guard members certain police duties
If enacted, starting July 1, 2026, governors could not assign Guard members law enforcement work that may lead to monitoring or arrest, except federalized units and members called to state active duty for governor-declared natural disasters, riots, or terrorism.
What it does
If enacted, a governor could not order Guard members to do law enforcement work that may lead to monitoring, catching, holding, or arresting someone. This excludes federalized units and members called to state active duty for governor-declared natural disasters, riots, or terrorism.
Argument forGuard members might be less likely to monitor or arrest people under a governor’s order, which could protect individual privacy and freedom.
Argument againstGovernors might have fewer Guard options for law enforcement unless a unit is federalized or a member is called to state active duty for a governor-declared natural disaster, riot, or act of terrorism.
More detail
If enacted, a governor could not order a Guard member to do law enforcement work that could lead to monitoring, catching, holding, or arresting someone. This rule covers Indiana National Guard members, subject to the stated exceptions. The rule does not apply to a Guard unit federalized under federal law, or to a member called to state active duty for a governor-declared natural disaster, riot, or act of terrorism. No law could suspend this section. If enacted, the section would take effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Dec 1First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public SafetyLatest
- Dec 1Authored by Representative GoreIntroduced
Public Safety