Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB1729: Establishes the "Defend the Guard Act"
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 41, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the Missouri National Guard, with a contingent effective date. Section A. Chapter 41, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 41.037, to read as follows: 41.037. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Defend the Guard Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Active duty combat", performing the following services in the active federal military service of the United (b) Performance of a hazardous service in a foreign state; or (c) Performance of a d.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 41, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the Missouri National Guard, with a contingent effective date. Section A. Chapter 41, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 41.037, to read as follows: 41.037. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Defend the Guard Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Active duty combat", performing the following services in the active federal military service of the United (b) Performance of a hazardous service in a foreign state; or (c) Performance of a duty through an instrumentality of war; (2) "Official declaration of war", an official declaration of war made by the United States Congress under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution of the United States. 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Missouri National Guard and any member thereof shall not be released from the state into active duty combat unless the United States Congress has passed an official declaration of war to explicitly call forth the Missouri National Guard. The governor shall take all actions necessary to comply with the requirements of this section. EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to …
Sponsors
- Mike Costlow (R, 108) · primary sponsor