OLYMPIA – Governor Ferguson has signed House Bill 1321 into law, reinforcing Washington’s authority over military presence within its borders. Sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), the new law prohibits military forces from other states, territories, or districts from entering Washington for duty without approval from the Governor or the President.
States such as Idaho, Texas, Indiana, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Tennessee, Utah, and Arkansas have deployed National Guard members to other states to the southern border in recent years. HB 1321 prevents other states from sending their unauthorized militaries to Washington for the purposes of immigration enforcement or anything else.
“This law ensures that Washington—not other states—decides what happens in our communities,” said Rep. Mena. “It protects us from unauthorized and unaccountable military actions.”
HB 1321 aligns Washington with several other states that already restrict outside militia forces unless federally authorized. The bill does not affect disaster response or military readiness but prevents uncoordinated deployments that could disrupt civil authority.
With this law, Washington affirms its commitment to upholding democratic processes and safeguarding against interference from out-of-state entities acting without proper authority.
The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.