Military Affairs

Revises authorization to be granted leave of absence for military service to include Coast Guard; clarifies provision relating to leaves of absence for all state officers & employees for reserve or guard training; authorizes local governments to provide additional leave of absence for officers & employees for reserve or guard training; specifies that authorization for leave of absence for public officials & state employees to perform active military service for specified timeframe is based on single order; removes DMA positions from compulsory participation in SMS Class; provides that participation in such class for all other members employed within DMA is separately governed by specified provision; revises eligibility for Soldiers & Airmen Assistance Program to include traditional drilling guardsmen on state active duty or specified federal duty & their eligible beneficiaries demonstrating valid financial need; requires requests for assistance to be reviewed, processed, & approved by Florida National Guard Foundation's board of directors; requires requests for assistance to be reviewed & evaluated based on specified criteria; requires board to annually review bylaws that govern such program; requires board to provide report to DMA to be approved by Adjutant General.