WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

SB 126 creates the West Virginia Volunteer State Guard, a separate state military force of up to 400 members, distinct from the National Guard. It requires members to be West Virginia residents and U.S. citizens with no felony convictions (verified via background checks), excluding active National Guard members or military personnel. The Guard can be activated only during state emergencies or when the National Guard is deployed federally, to maintain public safety or respond to threats, but never for federal military service. Training must meet National Guard standards, and the Governor retains full command authority over the force.