special session

In a joint motion, attorneys for the parents and the DeSantis administration said the case was moot because of a law passed during a special session this month.

Focusing on mandates pursued by the White House, Gov. Ron DeSantis touted the “strongest piece of legislation that's been enacted anywhere in the country” and said Florida is “respecting people’s individual freedoms.”

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.