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Draft 'military amendments' would let adjutant general accept donations for state partnership and humanitarian events
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Summary
Department staff said the bill clarifies gift authority for the Adjutant General to accept in‑kind and monetary contributions supporting the state partnership program, humanitarian clinics and museum work; it also adjusts a commission appointment slot.
Representatives of the Utah National Guard and the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs briefed the commission on draft "military amendments" legislation that would expand gift-acceptance authority for the Adjutant General and adjust one appointment on the commission.
Brian Garrett, speaking for the Guard as intergovernmental affairs adviser, said current code allows the Adjutant General to accept gifts for service members, families and the National Guard Museum but does not explicitly cover the state partnership program or certain humanitarian events. Garrett said the department wants clear authority to accept donated goods and support — from medical supplies and soccer balls to food donations for personnel — that can help field clinics and outreach missions.
Garrett noted Utah’s 23‑year partnership with Morocco, including an annual medical clinic that has treated roughly 10,000 patients over seven days, and said as budgets tighten the Guard may need partner donations to sustain such operations. He said the department will adopt rules governing acceptance of gifts, consistent with existing practice.
Shed Larson, associate general counsel, said the short title was changed to "military amendments" because an additional provision adjusted commission membership: the statutory seat formerly appointed by the Utah State Chamber of Commerce will be removed and replaced with language permitting appointment of a pro tem member so the commission can continue to invite an appropriate representative.
Garrett and staff said the change is intended to be a minor code clarification; no committee vote was held. Commissioners and staff discussed that gifts and partner support have been important for humanitarian missions and local events, and that the department will continue to develop rules to manage donations.
Ending — The commission discussed the draft and did not take formal action. Staff noted the change in the short title and assured members the department will follow rulemaking requirements before accepting donations under the clarified authority.
