Florida Legislature

Florida lawmakers are returning to Tallahassee to take up a slate of bills that would push back against the federal government’s vaccine mandates and limit local government authority to require COVID-19 immunizations.

Sen. Elizabeth Fetterhoff reintroduced her bill, saying she opposes vaccine mandates for first responders because of the potential for mass resignations that threaten public safety.

During Tuesday's media briefing, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre asked, "why are these legislators, these Republicans ... getting in the way of saving lives,"

A series of bills were released as Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated what he sees as the need for the session, which will start Monday.

Officials said the infusion of money would help nursing homes grappling with worker shortages and reduced occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez is pushing a bill she says would make it easier for counselors to move to Florida or remotely work with clients in the state.

Leon County is contesting a $3.5 million fine from the Florida Department of Health. The county was penalized after it enforced its employee COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

The Senate Democratic caucus didn’t take a formal position as it waits for proposals to be put forward by House and Senate Republican leaders.

Groups representing nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and home health providers detail issues such as nurse and CNA shortages and a lack of nursing faculty and student slots at colleges.

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants lawmakers to focus on efforts to prevent schools, businesses and governmental entities from imposing vaccination mandates and other pandemic restrictions.