2023 Florida Legislature

The measure would prohibit businesses and government agencies from requiring people to take COVID tests or wear masks to enter their facilities.

The House could vote on the measure Friday. The Senate approved its version more than a week ago. If passed, the legislation would go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.

The bill would not only prevent minors from starting treatments for gender transitions and stop treatments for those who have already begun the process. It would also ban public expenditures of all gender-affirming care for those over 18, outside of Medicaid.

The vote was unanimous, 39-0. A similar bill in the House will soon be up for a vote. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would take effect July 1.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 27-12 mostly along party lines to pass the bill. Only Sen. Gayle Harrell joined Democrats in opposing the bill, which next go to the House, where it is expected to pass.

The proposal, passed by the House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee, comes after a statewide public health emergency lasted for more than a year in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID pandemic.

The bill would allow Medicaid beneficiaries with conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to avoid step therapy if their physicians submit documentation about medical necessity.

The vote was mostly along party lines, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. The measure still must pass the House before going to the governor.

Farmworker Association of Central Florida’s Jeannie Economos said there’s bipartisan support for the bill, but it still hasn’t been read by a committee in the House or Senate.

The House and Senate versions of the new bill are headed to floor votes. Meantime, Attorney General Ashley Moody’s files a brief to the Florida Supreme Court asking to keep last year's 15-week law in place.