CS/SB 474, 1st Eng. — Military Affairs
by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and Senator Wright
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee (GO)
The bill makes the following changes relating to the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and military service generally:
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Revises provisions concerning leaves of absence for military service for state and local government employees to:
- Expand eligibility to include members of the Coast Guard;
- Clarify that the 90 consecutive days of service required to qualify for a paid leave of absence must be on a single order; and
- Authorize local governments to provide additional paid leave for reserve and National Guard training provided certain requirements are met.
- Revises which employees of the DMA are eligible for participation in the Senior Management Service Class of the Florida Retirement System.
- Repeals provisions related to the defunct About Face and Forward March programs.
- Revises eligibility for the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Program and requires an annual external financial audit and bylaw review.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 105-0