Fact Check: Washington's law restricts out-of-state military forces from entering without the governor's permission.

Fact Check: "Washington's law restricts out-of-state military forces from entering without the governor's permission."

What We Know

On April 21, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1321, which requires that out-of-state military forces, specifically National Guard troops from other states, territories, or districts, must receive permission from the governor before entering Washington. The only exception to this rule is if these forces are mobilized by the president of the United States (source-1, source-2). This law was introduced as a measure to ensure that Washington retains control over military actions within its borders, reflecting concerns about unauthorized military interventions (source-4).

Governor Ferguson emphasized the importance of this legislation in his inaugural address, stating, “We cannot have armed forces come into our state to enforce policies that are against our core values” (source-1). The law is part of a broader trend, as similar regulations exist in states like Montana and Texas, and it was modeled after a law in Idaho (source-6).

Analysis

The claim that Washington's law restricts out-of-state military forces from entering without the governor's permission is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The official announcement from the governor's office (source-1) details the specifics of House Bill 1321, confirming the requirement for gubernatorial approval for National Guard troops from other jurisdictions. This aligns with statements made by both Governor Ferguson and Rep. Sharlett Mena, the bill's sponsor, who articulated the law's intent to protect state sovereignty and prevent unauthorized military actions (source-2, source-4).

The law's provisions are clear and have been reported consistently across various media outlets, including local news and official government communications (source-3, source-8). The sources used are reliable, coming from government announcements and established news organizations, which reduces the likelihood of misinformation.

Conclusion

The claim that Washington's law restricts out-of-state military forces from entering without the governor's permission is True. The enactment of House Bill 1321 clearly establishes this requirement, reflecting the state's intent to maintain control over military activities within its borders. The law has been well-documented and supported by multiple credible sources.

Sources

1. Governor Bob Ferguson signs bill restricting armed forces ...
2. Blocking Unauthorized Militias from Entering WA
3. Governor Bob Ferguson signs bill restricting armed forces ...
4. Gov. Ferguson signs bill restricting out-of-state military ...
5. Gov. Ferguson signs bill restricting out-of-state military ...
6. Washington limits armed forces from entering the state ...
7. Gov. Ferguson signs bill restricting out-of-state military ...
8. Ferguson Signs Law Limiting Out-of-State Military Entry