SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — A new bill making its way through the Oregon legislature aims to limit when and how the federal government can deploy the Oregon National Guard — a move inspired by former President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize National Guard troops during protests in Los Angeles.
Introduced by three Democratic representatives, the bill seeks to strengthen state oversight by ensuring the Guard’s primary mission — responding to in-state emergencies like wildfires and earthquakes — remains intact.
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Under the proposed legislation, deployments that impair the Guard’s ability to respond locally would be prohibited. It would also lay out clear guidelines on what duties Guard members may and may not be assigned when called into federal service.
Supporters of the bill say it’s about preserving state sovereignty, protecting community safety, and guarding against what they see as federal overreach.
“Deploying the military against our country’s citizens is an affront to our democratic principles,” said Rep. Dacia Grayber (D–Southwest Portland), a lead sponsor. “This bill is a common-sense safeguard to ensure separation between military roles and local law enforcement.”
The legislation was passed out of the House Rules Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the full House for a vote.
House Republican Leader Christine Drazan voted no, saying she wanted to discuss the bill further with her caucus before moving forward.
If passed, the bill could set a new precedent for how states assert control over their National Guard forces, especially in politically charged situations.
