S 2471 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act prohibiting the Massachusetts National Guard from being deployed into active combat without a formal declaration of war by congress

This bill prohibits the Massachusetts National Guard from being deployed into active combat without specific Congressional authorization. It requires that any deployment must follow either a formal U.S. Congressional declaration of war or a specific Congressional action under the Constitution's war powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 15) to "execute the laws of the union, repel an invasion, or suppress an insurrection." The law directly affects Massachusetts National Guard members and their deployment authority, preventing them from being sent to combat zones without these explicit Congressional actions. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and defines "active-duty combat" to include participation in armed conflicts or hazardous duties in foreign countries.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Dec 4, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors