Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans Business Incentives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs bill to expand business incentives and hiring preferences for veterans and military spouses
Summary
CS for SB 1172 would create procurement preferences, fee waivers and an entrepreneurship program for veteran‑ and military‑spouse‑owned businesses; an amendment added voluntary private hiring preferences and protections for employers who adopt them.
Senator Jones presented CS for SB 1172, a measure the sponsor described as intended to broaden business development opportunities for veterans and military spouses. The committee adopted an amendment offered by the sponsor that would expand Florida’s veteran hiring preference laws to include military spouses and allow private businesses to voluntarily adopt military‑spouse hiring preferences without being penalized for doing so under employment‑discrimination laws.
The bill as explained by the sponsor would define veteran‑owned and military‑spouse‑owned businesses, provide procurement preferences, waive state business filing fees for eligible new or relocating businesses, offer tax exemptions and create a veteran and military spouse entrepreneurship program with mentorship and assistance. The sponsor publicly thanked the Department of Defense and his House sponsor for working on the amendment.
An appearance was made by Rod Joseph, a combat veteran, who spoke in support and described personal experience trying to start a business after military service. Committee debate was supportive; Senator Wright and others voiced backing for the measure. After adopting the amendment, the committee voted to report CSR SB 1172 favorably.
Ending: Sponsor cited a letter from the Department of Defense endorsing the policy and urged committee support; the committee reported the bill favorably.
