JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a measure that would make the Missouri National Guard its own department within state government.
The National Guard currently is part of the state Department of Public Safety, which also oversees the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Emergency Management Agency. The wide-ranging department also includes the state fire safety office, veterans’ nursing homes and regulatory agencies for casinos, alcohol and tobacco.
Some legislators have tried for several years to carve out the military into its own state department. The House voted Wednesday to send the bill to Gov. Mike Parson without any opposition. It previously passed the Senate.
The legislation also seeks to give National Guard members a leg up in getting state jobs. It requires that all current or former Guard members who meet minimum qualifications be offered an interview when applying for certain state jobs.
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