AR HB1127

The Adjutant General of Arkansas gains power to remove officers from the Arkansas National Guard if they are refused federal recognition, have federal recognition withdrawn, or have state recognition withdrawn in their grade and branch.

State recognition withdrawal is defined as demotion of an officer determined unqualified for their current grade and branch based on a board of selection officers finding the officer is substandard in duty performance or conduct, deficient in character, below medical standards for retention, or unsuited for military service.

The Adjutant General must adopt reasonable and necessary regulations for officer removal, including a process for state recognition withdrawal similar to federal recognition withdrawal procedures under 32 U.S.C. § 323 as it existed on January 1, 2019.

An emergency clause declares the removal of substandard or unsuitable officers is of paramount importance to the good order, discipline, and security of the Arkansas National Guard and State of Arkansas.

The act became effective upon approval by the Governor on February 14, 2019.