mandate

Leon and Alachua officials decided to require parents to submit doctors’ notes for children to be exempt, drawing objections from the education commissioner. Broward officials could be next after a Tuesday vote.

Los Angeles joins California, New York City and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced new, more stringent policies, and possible penalties, to push vaccination among their employees.

Although the state has banned local governments from requiring people to wear masks, cases involving such mandates in Alachua and Palm Beach counties are still going through the courts.

Republican leaders expressed confidence that the measure could pass the Senate. It is likely to face even fewer hurdles in the House, as the GOP aims to pass a tax bill by Christmas.