BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1397 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 30, 2013 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS Al Muratsuchi, Chair AB 1397 (Committee on Veterans Affairs) - As Introduced: March 6, 2013 SUBJECT : State militia: Adjutant General: report to the Governor SUMMARY : Changes the frequency of reporting by the Adjutant General. Specifically, this bill : Requires the report of the Adjutant General to the Governor on the spending and activities of the Military Department to be made annually beginning July 1, 2014. EXISTING LAW requires the Adjutant General to make a report to the Governor every fourth year, commencing in 1963. The report shall include a statement of the moneys received and disbursed by the Adjutant General for military purposes, the number and condition of the active militia, and a history of the activities and developments of the Military Department during the preceding four years. FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown at this time. COMMENTS : The National Guard, formerly a strategic reserve for the Army and Air Force, has been drawn upon so often in the past decade that has essentially become a part of the operational force. In light of this heavy usage, it no longer makes sense to report to the Governor every fourth year, an annual report is indicated. In addition, in the past two years, the Military Department has undertaken a massive culture shift in response to a series of scandals and complaints. The current Adjutant General has made many changes and several legislative reforms have been instituted, including the creation of a California Military Department Inspector General and the implementation of the California Military Whistleblower Protection Act. More frequent reporting is indicated so that the Governor may keep closer account of the progress of reforms. REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION : AB 1397 Page 2 Support None on file. Opposition None on file. Analysis Prepared by : John Spangler / V. A. / (916) 319-3550