(a) For the use of the State Guard, the Governor may submit requisitions to the United States Secretary of Defense for any arms and equipment in the possession of and excess to or not required by the Department of the Army or allotted or available to the State Guard. The Governor may provide arms and equipment to the State Guard which are not furnished by the Department of the Army and are required in the defense of the state. The Governor may make available to the State Guard armories and other state premises, property, supplies, and equipment as may be available.

(b) The members of the State Guard may be male or female and are members of the state militia for purposes of this code.

(c) All unexpended balances appropriated for the use of the California National Guard or the Adjutant General and not required by the California National Guard or the Adjutant General may be expended by the Adjutant General for the use and benefit of the State Guard and its members. Section 255 does not apply to the State Guard.

(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 97, Sec. 31. (AB 2193) Effective January 1, 2021.)