http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/171618

Senate votes to set up volunteer militia
By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.02.2007

PHOENIX — State senators voted Thursday to set up an all-volunteer Homeland Security Force separate from the Arizona National Guard.
Senate Bill 1132, given preliminary approval, would create what essentially amounts to a state militia under the governor's control.
Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, said the force would respond on the governor's orders to any natural or human-caused disaster, when "necessary to protect lives or property," or to help along the border to spot people coming into the United States illegally.
Harper said nearly two dozen other states have similar militias separate from Guard units.
A special committee appointed by the governor and by legislative leaders would decide how to set up the force and screen applicants. Militia officers would need prior military experience.