The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security on Oct. 12 reported SB 336 favorably after sponsor Senator Arrington described the bill’s scope and funding set-aside.

“SB 336 expands the current Florida National Guard’s Education Dollars for Duty program to include spouses and children of active members,” Senator Arrington said. He told the committee the bill would allow spouses and children to be eligible for financial assistance of up to 50% of tuition, and that the Department of Military Affairs would oversee implementation; the transcript records the sponsor stating the bill “sets aside $500,000 of funds appropriated for the education program each fiscal year to provide tuition assistance for spouses and children of active members of the Florida National Guard.”

Committee members questioned how the program expansion would affect the existing fund. Chair Wright asked whether the fund typically runs out before covering current enrollees; Senator Arrington said discussions with appropriations staff aim to add an appropriation rather than draw down the existing $5,000,000 appropriation for guard members. Senator Arrington also said the Department of Military Affairs would provide a fiscal impact analysis and that the house sponsor was considering amending the proposal to limit eligibility (for example, by excluding children or limiting to dependents) to ease implementation.

Vice Chair Collins, speaking both as a legislator and a military spouse, offered extended support for the bill and emphasized family burdens created by deployments, saying, “I think it’s okay for Florida to be bold and try new things to give back to our families.” Several senators expressed gratitude to the sponsor and the bill’s goals before Senator Arrington waived closing remarks.

The clerk called the roll and the chair announced, “by your vote, SB 336 is reported favorably.” The transcript includes committee discussion about verification and implementation questions; it does not include a completed fiscal analysis or a finalized amendment on eligibility.