The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security on Oct. 12 reported SB 884 favorably after Senator Martin described the bill as creating a package of benefits for members of the Florida State Guard.

The bill, SB 884, would provide leaves of absence for holding State Guard duties, establish scholarships for eligible members, extend state-park discounts and make annual sportsman and fishing licenses available under the program. “Florida State Guard is in supportive of this bill package,” Senator Martin said during the committee hearing.

Senators asked no substantive questions during debate and three people filed appearance forms in support: Carrie Baker, Sarah Dean (listed as state employees) and Jay Arnold. The presentation and the public-support forms were the only substantive record of public input captured in committee minutes.

After Senator Martin waived closing remarks, the committee clerk called the roll. Multiple members answered “Yes,” and the chair announced, “by your vote, SB 884 is reported favorably.” The transcript does not record a formal motion text, mover, or a complete roll-call tally beyond the affirmative responses heard on the record.

The bill text as presented to the committee included benefit types but did not specify eligibility criteria, implementation procedures, or funding sources; the transcript records none of those details. If enacted, the Department or agency responsible for implementing the new benefits is not specified in the committee discussion on the record.

The committee had no further debate and moved on to other agenda items. No committee amendment, funding appropriation, or implementation timeline was provided during the hearing.