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
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Pat Jehlen
DDemocratic
Co
Erika Uyterhoeven
DDemocratic
Co
Jo Comerford
DDemocratic
Co
Mike Connolly
DDemocratic
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