IN bill would expand National Guard authority during emergencies

By Joe Ulery • Indiana News Service

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a bill which would allow some Indiana National Guard members to exercise police powers during state active duty.

House Bill 1343 authorizes the adjutant general to grant law enforcement authority to trained National Guard military police when the governor activates the Guard for emergencies. Supporters said the change would speed up crisis response and relies on Guard members who already receive extensive federal law enforcement training.

Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, told lawmakers the authority would apply only to military police and only during state active duty, not routine patrols.

“This bill expedites situational authorities to military police to carry a firearm, exercise police powers or make an arrest,” Muennich outlined. “Right now, we have 300 troops helping make D.C. safe today, operating under a similar construct.”

Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties advocates oppose the provision, warning it gives the governor broad discretion to deploy military-trained forces in civilian law enforcement roles. Critics said the bill does not set clear limits on when those powers should activate, and they want stronger guardrails and oversight.

Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, said during a committee debate, American history explains the unease about troops performing policing duties.

“I think part of the reason we fought a revolution is because King George kept troops on our streets,” Gore explained. “Traditionally, I think Americans don’t like the idea of troops on our streets. Throughout the history of our nation and our state, the military hasn’t been used in this way.”

The bill passed committee 9-3 and is scheduled to be heard Wednesday by the House Ways and Means Committee.