WV SB126

Creates the West Virginia Volunteer State Defense Guard as a 400-member maximum volunteer military force separate from the National Guard, operating exclusively within state borders under the Governor's command and control

Requires all members to be U.S. citizens and West Virginia residents with no felony convictions, no active military service, and if former military, must have received at least a general discharge under honorable conditions

Authorizes the Governor to activate the force during declared emergencies when the National Guard is in federal service, for purposes including preserving public peace, responding to terrorist threats, or providing emergency aid to civil authorities

Members serve as unpaid volunteers with three-year terms for both officers and enlisted personnel, receiving no pay or allowances, and are granted immunity from liability for lawful acts performed in good faith during active service or training

Grants the Adjutant General authority to organize, train, and discipline the force, with training standards at least equivalent to National Guard requirements, and allows use of state armory facilities and equipment