Florida Legislature

As Florida legislators closed out their special session, one of the votes could lead to the state taking over regulations normally overseen by OSHA.

The bill allows workers to avoid vaccination requirements if they provide medical reasons, religious reasons or can demonstrate “COVID-19 immunity.” Also, if they agree to regular testing or wear PPE.

The rally took place on the second day of a special legislative session to pass a package of bills that push back on federal vaccine and mask nadates.

The state plan conflicts with a rule issued this month by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that requires health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Physicians and other health professionals issued a call Monday — hours before a special session in Tallahassee — for Florida lawmakers to reject any bans on COVID-19 mask and vaccines mandates.

During the legislature's special session, House Speaker Chris Sprowls said businesses “are under no obligation to follow the OSHA rule” as long as a federal injunction remains in place.

Under a bill introduced by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, employers must offer a testing alternative and honor certain exemptions.

They say it's Gov. Ron DeSantis' efforts to enhance his standing as a potential 2024 presidential candidate.

A proposal at the Legislature's special session includes a provision that would expand the law to include prohibitions against mask requirements and quarantining of asymptomatic students.

A long-term care industry group raised concerns about a conflict with a new federal rule that requires health-care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.