The Florida State Guard, revived by Gov. Ron DeSantis, could operate outside Florida and be called into service anytime he “deemed necessary,” under a bill approved Thursday by a House panel.

Funding for the Florida State Guard is one step closer to becoming a reality.

A Florida state representative has filed an amendment that would allow the Florida State Guard to assist other states.

The legislators who tested positive for COVID-19 include Republican state Sen. Tom Wright of New Smyrna Beach and Ray Rodrigues of Estero. Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta said Wright took three separate tests --- and tested positive twice --- at a state-supported testing site that was set up outside the Capitol for lawmakers, guests, legislative staff and reporters. The Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday released a list of seven members who were excused from the one-day session because they either tested positive or were exposed to someone who had tested positive. While Salzman tested negative for the virus, her son tested positive. The Florida House and the Florida Senate have different COVID-19 infection-prevention policies in place.