By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require that Massachusetts National Guard service members undergo training on their obligation to follow only lawful orders and that they receive guidance on how to respond to orders that violate Americans’ constitutional or statutory rights.

“National Guard troops across the country are being asked to violate the sovereignty of other states and the constitutional rights of ordinary Americans by a president who wants to use them like pawns in his game of intimidation,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “This amendment is simple. By creating a comprehensive training curriculum for servicemembers, Massachusetts is empowering our National Guard with the knowledge they need to determine, in the event that they are federalized, whether the orders they receive are lawful. The rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution are non-negotiable – the commonwealth of Massachusetts will not let our Guard be illegally used against its own people.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes