OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Bob Ferguson has signed House Bill 1321 into law, establishing new restrictions on the entry of out-of-state National Guard troops into Washington without state authorization.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), requires that National Guard units from other states, territories, or the District of Columbia must obtain permission from the Governor of Washington before entering the state—unless mobilized by the President of the United States. The law takes effect immediately due to an emergency clause.

The measure aligns Washington with similar laws in other states, including Montana, Texas, and Idaho, the latter of which served as a model for HB 1321.

Governor Ferguson, who referenced the bill in his inaugural address, stated the law reinforces state authority over military activities within Washington’s borders.

“We welcome collaboration with National Guard forces when warranted, but only with our permission,” Ferguson said. “We cannot have armed forces come into our state to enforce policies that are against our core values.”

Rep. Mena said the bill is intended to preserve state control over local matters. “This law ensures that Washington — not other states — decides what happens in our communities,” she said.

The law does not limit mutual-aid agreements for disaster response or emergency recovery efforts. It also does not prevent Washington’s National Guard from training with units from other jurisdictions or participating in federal missions when called upon.

The National Guard operates under the authority of individual state and territorial governors, though units can be federally activated by the president for broader military missions.

Watch Governor Ferguson’s remarks and bill signing here.