Weekly Legislative Report - January 19, 2021
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
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Legislative Session Update - January 11, 2021
Written by Keyna Cory, Public Affairs Consultants, PA
State and local law enforcement agencies in Tallahassee are bracing for potential protests at the Florida Capitol over last weekend and this week. Mayor John Dailey, City of Tallahassee, has asked for the National Guard to be activated in the Capitol
City. Senate President Wilton Simpson tells Senators to stay away from the Capitol next week.
Last week the legislature held its first interim committee meeting week and it was different. No one was allowed in the Senate Office building or committee meetings other than Senators, staff and invited speakers. If you wanted to testify before a Senate
committee, you had to go to the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and communicate via video with the committee. The House allowed a limited number of lobbyists in committee rooms. If you wanted to testify before a House committee, you had to sign up
in advance.
Senator Annette Taddeo (D) filed legislation that would allow lawmakers to use remote technology to participate in committee meetings or floor sessions. The lawmaker would need approval from the Senate president or House speaker. Also, the majority
of members of the House and Senate would have to be physically present to constitute quorums for floor sessions or committee meetings. The Florida Constitution includes a series of requirements about quorums and procedures, and lawmakers are currently
required to be physically present to take part and vote in meetings. Taddeo’s bill would apply during public-health emergencies and other declared states of emergency.
Committees focused on the pandemic and how it is affecting the state budget.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has begun to develop the state budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year and as part of that review, they are analyzing the costly effects of the pandemic on Florida’s economy. The committee is examining the pandemic’s
impact on personal income for Floridians, unemployment, population growth, the housing market, sales tax, and Florida’s general revenue. State economist Amy Baker, of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, provided an update of the Long-Range
Financial Outlook and Revenue Forecast. Over the summer months, Florida experienced strong growth rates in sales tax revenue and documentary stamp tax revenue. Unfortunately, Florida families and businesses are still facing hardships, which will result
in a significant budget shortfall for the state in the next fiscal year. However, Ms. Baker does predict many industries in Florida will quickly bounce back after vaccines are widely distributed, though Florida’s tourism industry may take longer to
fully recover.
A House panel last Wednesday night voted along party lines to back a proposal that would provide broad immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits to businesses that have “substantially” complied with public-health guidelines. Currently health care providers
are not included in the proposed legislation.
The House Health & Human Services Committee last Thursday conducted its first --- and last --- workshop on COVID-19 liability protections for health-care providers.
The committee heard from representatives of hospitals, physicians and long-term care facilities who said the Legislature needs to make changes to protect them from a potential flood of lawsuits, while
trial attorneys said current law provides adequate protections and that providing immunity will do more harm than good.
Last Wednesday, a leading Senate Republican chided Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees about the state’s COVID-19 vaccine-distribution efforts, saying Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration hasn't been forthcoming with the public. Sen. Aaron Bean,
R-Fernandina Beach, said during a meeting of the Senate Health Policy Committee that there is statewide frustration over the vaccine rollout and that Rivkees and Department of Health Assistant Secretary Shamarial Roberson need to provide the public
with a “clear direction” about the state’s plans.
According to a CDC report, more than 60% of COVID vaccine sent to Florida is yet to be used. Data released Monday showed more than 1.6 million doses of the vaccine have been sent to Florida, but only under 650,000 doses have been administered.
The federal government is mostly to blame for what some people see as a slow distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Florida, state Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz told a House panel last Thursday. Appearing before the newly
created House Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee, Moskowitz said the federal government has been slow in releasing enough supply to Florida to meet demand. Also, he said a federal contract with the pharmacy companies CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate
nursing-home residents ran behind schedule, forcing the state to pick up the slack to quickly get people vaccinated in long-term care facilities.
A measure that would prohibit the dissemination of false or misleading vaccine information (HB 9) is the only
bill on the agenda at the House Pandemic and Public Emergencies Committee meeting.
The proposal provides for felony charges for anyone who willfully spreads false information about vaccines during a pandemic for the purpose of obtaining someone's personal information or money.
After the nation’s most powerful social media platforms banned Trump’s Twitter and Facebook accounts following the mob violence on the nation’s Capital last week, two Florida legislators are drafting legislation that will retaliate against the companies
for engaging in what they call “selective censorship” of conservative opinions. State Sen. Danny Burgess and Rep. Randy Fine each said they were motivated by the response to the social media platforms and by Google, Apple and Amazon,
which blocked Twitter alternative Parler.
The Florida Historic Capitol building was illuminated in blue lights last Monday evening to raise awareness for human trafficking.
Below are articles about these issues and more …
The Capitol …
“Florida lawmakers tell staff to avoid state Capitol Sunday because of election protests” via Kirby Wilson of The Tampa Bay Times — Senate President Wilton Simpson,
one of the most powerful Republicans in the state, had a message for Florida’s Senators Tuesday: stay away from the Capitol this weekend. Right-wing election protests could come to state Capitols across the country in the coming days, authorities
have warned. Many of those planning to participate in these events believe the fallacy that Trump had the 2020 election stolen from him. A Trump-supporting mob of hundreds stormed the U.S. Capitol last week, causing a scene that resulted in five deaths,
including that of a police officer.
“Leon County Courthouse, Tallahassee City Hall to close next week at request of law enforcement” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics
“Florida monitoring calls for armed protests. ‘Chatter doesn’t always stay chatter.’
” via Mary Ellen Klas, Jay Weaver, David Ovalle and Ana Ceballos of The Tampa Bay Times — With the FBI on Monday issuing a bulletin about possible armed marches on state Capitol buildings across the country this weekend, Florida law-enforcement officials are monitoring online chatter from extremists like the ones that ransacked the U.S. Capitol last week. So far, they say they aren’t aware of any credible threats directed toward Tallahassee or elsewhere in the state. But the federal warning came as at least one call, by an unidentified group, circulated on social media urging the “storming” of government buildings if lawmakers oust Trump
, who lost the election by more than 7 million votes.
DeSantis: State Prepared for Any Type of Disorder - The state will be ready with "reinforcements" if anyone descends upon the Florida Capitol to violently protest Joe Biden's election
as president, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday. "If anything is disorderly, we are going to act very quickly. Don't worry about that," he said at a news conference in The Villages. In Tallahassee, Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, sent
a memo to senators and staff members saying that at "this time, it is our understanding that our Capitol remains secure and there have been no threats to our safety." Still, Simpson requested that staff stay away from the Capitol this Sunday, with
protests expected. "Out of an abundance of caution, I am requesting that staff work remotely this Sunday, rather than traveling to the Capitol Complex," Simpson wrote. Orlando Sentinel / Miami Herald
Legislature …
Senate Bill Aims to Put Spotlight on Social Media Account Bans - Social media companies would have to provide notice to users whose accounts have been disabled or suspended within
30 days and explain why the user was banned from the site under legislation (SB 520) filed Monday by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills. "Regardless of a person's background,
political history, religion, race, gender, or any other identifying measure, Twitter and Facebook cannot be the sole judge, jury, and executioner on Americans' First Amendment rights," Burgess said in a press release. On Twitter, Burgess called the tech companies that run the sites "monopolized monster social media companies." The bill doesn't yet have a House companion and hasn't been assigned to a Senate committee. A number of conservative
critics have argued in recent years that the major social media platforms are monopolies and that they've made it harder for conservatives to post and read political opinion and information tailored to their interests. In recent days the move by Twitter
and Facebook to suspend President Donald Trump's account has put a new focus on the issue. Burgess Press Release
“Legislators seek to punish social media giants for ‘selective censorship’ of Trump” via Mary Ellen Klas of The Miami Herald — After the nation’s most powerful social
media platforms banned Trump’s Twitter and Facebook accounts following the mob violence on the nation’s Capitol last week, two Florida legislators are drafting legislation that will retaliate against the companies for engaging in what they call “selective
censorship” of conservative opinions. State Sen. Danny Burgess and Rep. Randy Fine each said they were motivated by the response to the social media platforms and by Google, Apple and Amazon, which blocked Twitter alternative Parler.
The companies said they severed the President from the accounts because he has used them to disseminate conspiracy theories and false claims about the election.
Democrats Criticize DeSantis-Backed Rioting Legislation - Florida Democratic lawmakers on Monday criticized a measure aimed at cracking down on violent protesters saying it is written
to silence the voices of racial minorities.CBS4/News Service of Florida
REMOTE PARTICIPATION IN LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS PROPOSED - As the House and Senate take steps to prevent the spread
of COVID-19, a South Florida Democrat filed a bill Thursday that could allow some lawmakers to participate remotely in legislative meetings during public-health emergencies. Sen. Annette Taddeo, D-Miami, filed the bill (SB 648) for consideration during
the legislative session that starts March 2. Under the proposal, lawmakers seeking to use remote technology to participate in committee meetings or floor sessions would need approval from the Senate president or House speaker. Also, the majority of
members of the House and Senate would have to be physically present to constitute quorums for floor sessions or committee meetings. The Florida Constitution includes a series of requirements about quorums and procedures, and lawmakers are currently
required to be physically present to take part and vote in meetings. Taddeo’s bill would apply during public-health emergencies and other declared states of emergency.
“Kelli Stargel poised to lead Florida Senate through a difficult budget process” via Karen Murphy of The
Capitolist
Senate Appropriations to Get Financial and Revenue Update from EDR - Economic and Demographic Research Coordinator Amy Baker will update the Senate Appropriations Committee today on revenue estimators' Long-Range Financial Outlook and Revenue Forecast. Baker will address the coronavirus pandemic's impact on the state's economy and on personal income, and the current unemployment rate, which went from a record-low 2.8% before the outbreak last winter to nearly 14% in April before falling back to 6.4% in November. Baker will also discuss the housing market. Senate Appropriations
Budget Writers Start to Grapple With $2.7B Deficit - House budget crafters took their first detailed look Wednesday at the carnage wrought on state revenue by the COVID-19 pandemic and what it means for the budget on Wednesday. "We will be squeezing blood out of turnips," House Budget Chair Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, said. "We have to systematically change the way we build this budget." Sarasota Herald-Tribune /
Politico Pro / CBS Miami/NSF
Lawmakers may dip into trust funds to help plug holes in the budget as they try to wrestle with the pandemic-induced shortfall. Florida Politics
PROPOSAL WOULD LIFT TELEHEALTH RESTRICTIONS - January 13, 2021 - NSF Staff
Amid expanded use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, a House Republican on Wednesday filed a bill that would eliminate restrictions on prescribing controlled substances through telehealth. Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miramar, filed the proposal (HB
247) for consideration during the 2021 legislative session, which will start March 2. Telehealth generally involves using the internet and other technology to provide medical services remotely. Under current law, telehealth can be used to prescribe
controlled substances only in limited circumstances, such as for treatment of psychiatric disorders, for treatment of hospice patients and for treatment of nursing-home residents. But the bill would eliminate the restrictions.
COVID-19 …
“Florida coronavirus pandemic more evenly spread now than in summer
” via Langston Taylor of The Tampa Bay Times — As Florida’s coronavirus pandemic balloons for the second major wave, there’s a key difference between now and the summer: It’s less of a South Florida-specific problem. At their summer peaks, Miami and Fort Lauderdale recorded twice as many cases per population as Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. The state’s two most populous counties, Miami-Dade and Broward, account for nearly a quarter of all Floridians. But in July, after cases exploded in and around Miami, the region’s hospitals held 36% of all COVID-19 patients. Per capita, they ranked second and third among all Florida counties in hospitalized patients that month.
According to a CDC report, more than 60% of COVID vaccine sent to Florida is yet to be used. Data released Monday showed more than 1.6 million doses of the vaccine have been sent to Florida, but only under 650,000 doses have been administered. News4Jax / NBC6
EMERGENCY CHIEF POINTS FINGER AT FEDS ON VACCINATIONS - January 14, 2021 - NSF Staff
The federal government is mostly to blame for what some people see as a slow distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Florida, state Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz told a House panel Thursday. Appearing before the newly created
House Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee, Moskowitz said the federal government has been slow in releasing enough supply to Florida to meet demand. Also, he said a federal contract with the pharmacy companies CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate nursing-home
residents ran behind schedule, forcing the state to pick up the slack to quickly get people vaccinated in long-term care facilities. Moskowitz also said he is aware of reports of what is being called “vaccine tourism,” where people come to the state
to get vaccinated. He called that behavior abhorrent but said it is proof Florida is doing a better job than most states at getting shots in arms. He also drew a distinction between people who travel to the state for vaccinations and people who live
in the state during the winter. “Vaccinating snowbirds, people who live here, rent, own a house, pay taxes and contribute to the economy, they are eligible,” he said. “If they get sick while they are here, which by the way we are in snowbird season,
and most of them are 65 and older, they wind up in our hospitals.” Through Tuesday, 707,478 vaccinations had been administered in the state, according to the Florida Department of Health. That included 646,327 people who had received first doses of
vaccines and 61,151 people who had received both required doses.
LAWMAKERS WEIGH HEALTH-CARE LIABILITY PROTECTIONS - January 14, 2021 - Christine Sexton
TALLAHASSEE --- The House Health & Human Services Committee on Thursday conducted its first --- and last --- workshop on COVID-19 liability protections for health-care providers.
The committee heard from representatives of hospitals, physicians and long-term care facilities who said the Legislature needs to make changes to protect them from a potential flood of lawsuits, while
trial attorneys said current law provides adequate protections and that providing immunity will do more harm than good.
The discussion came after the House Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee on Wednesday voted 11-6 along party lines to approve a bill (HB 7) that would offer COVID-19 liability protections for businesses. But that
bill does not include health-care providers, setting the stage for a separate debate about the health-care industry.
While the issues in both House panels centered on liability protections, some lawmakers have wondered whether the Legislature should also consider providing protections to workers who were exposed to COVID-19
on the job.
Supporters of shielding health-care providers from lawsuits point to the roles they have played during the pandemic.
Amanda Maggard, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City, told the Health & Human Services Committee that hospitals and their front-line staff stepped into harm’s
way.
Hospitals have faced significant challenges, from a lack of personal protective equipment to thinly stretched staff. Despite that, Maggard said hospitals have been at the forefront in such things as helping nursing
homes care for patients with COVID-19. She also said county health departments and local governments have relied on hospitals for guidance and support.
“Leadership at the front line comes with risks,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, we urge you to help us mitigate these risks. The pandemic has forced changes in the delivery of care,
and the liability implications are immense without greater protection.”
The Republican-led Legislature is expected to fast-track lawsuit limitations during the 2021 session, which starts March 2. Just how far the House and Senate go with those protections, however, remains to be seen.
Health & Human Services Chairwoman Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, said Thursday’s discussion would be the only workshop held by her committee. Burton also said she expected any bill related to health-care liability protections to come from a member and not
the committee.
Physicians, hospitals and nursing homes were among the first groups to call for lawsuit protections during the pandemic, but they weren’t included in the bill that cleared the House subcommittee on Wednesday or in the Senate version of that bill (SB 72).
Coral Springs physician Jason Goldman told members of the Health & Human Services Committee about worries that a government-ordered shutdown of elective procedures and preventive screenings during the early stages of the pandemic will lead to
an increase in litigation.
“It put the patients at risk for other conditions, even though we were trying to stop the spread of the pandemic. So patients were not able to get their routine procedures and evaluations.
And what I am seeing months later is diagnoses for cancer and other conditions that had to be delayed for obvious reasons,” Goldman said. “And I worry about the liability, that they are
going to now go on to claim there was a delay in their cancer diagnosis through no fault of my own or the medical profession but because we are in a pandemic and everything had to
be shut down.”
But Jacksonville trial attorney Thomas S. Edwards said health-care providers already have legal protections, such as pre-suit requirements before medical-malpractice claims can be filed.
Also, Edwards said that “if a doctor can’t get PPE (personal protective equipment), or can’t get their staff in because people are in quarantine, we can’t sue for that.”
Goldman told the committee he was worried that his staff was getting exposed to COVID-19 while on the job.
“As we know, some patients are without any symptoms, while others are extremely ill. I don’t turn anyone away,” he said. “With that, I still have to protect my staff as well as myself,
and the issue of a patient coming in and either not being truthful with their symptoms or not knowing they have COVID symptoms puts them at great risk and puts us at great risk. So
I worry that there may be an issue of my staff being exposed as well as myself being exposed and the potential liability of that.”
While Edwards didn’t agree the Legislature should limit lawsuits, he sympathized with Goldman about workplace safety. He told committee members tthey might want to consider making changes to workers’ compensation laws to better
protect workers during the pandemic.
Data compiled by the state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ office show that 25,784 COVID-19-related workers’ compensation claims had been filed as of Nov. 30. Nearly 44 percent of those claims
had been denied, according to the report. Of the denied claims, more than 44 percent were filed by health care workers and protective services, which includes first responders.
“You need to address that. Our health care workers deserve better than that,” Edwards said. “And if they get sick while they are forced to go on the front lines to deal with people with
COVID every day, they should get protection through workers’ comp.”
Burton said she wasn’t aware that workers’ compensation claims were being denied but said it was one of “many questions that’s going to have to be answered moving forward.”
COVID Lawsuit Protection Bill Advances in House - Florida businesses, nonprofits, schools and churches would get some protection from COVID-related lawsuits under legislation that
moved forward Wednesday in a House committee. Members of the House Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee voted 11-6 in favor of the tort protection
bill (HB 7) after lengthy debate and after rejecting several amendments to the proposal. The measure, pushed by the business community, is a priority for House Speaker
Chris Sprowls. The bill will be heard next in the House Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee. The House Health and Human Services Committee today will also hold a workshop on the issue of COVID-19 liability protection but isn't expected to consider the proposal. Florida Politics
“Florida coronavirus vaccine rollout stymied by US supply limits, state emergency manager says” via Cindy Krischer Goodman and David Fleshler of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“Florida lawmakers respond to COVID-19 with ... tort reform” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Tampa Bay Times
“Vaccine fraud prevention bill flies through pandemic committee” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics
Vaccine Fraud Bill, Vaccination Rollout Update, to Be Heard Today in House Pandemics Committee - A measure that would prohibit the dissemination of false or misleading vaccine information
(HB 9) is the only bill on the agenda at today's House Pandemic and Public Emergencies Committee meeting. The proposal provides for felony charges for anyone who willfully spreads false information about vaccines during a pandemic for the purpose of obtaining someone's personal
information or money. The committee also will get an update from Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz on COVID-19 vaccine planning and implementation in the state. House Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee Notice
The Senate Health Policy Committee today will discuss Florida's COVID-19 mitigation efforts by the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health.
Senate Health Policy Committee
During the first week in January, Central Florida's two main hospitals filled 96 percent of their intensive care unit beds and at least two smaller hospitals reached 100 percent of ICU capacity as COVID-19 hospitalizations surged, according to newly released data.
Orlando Sentinel
“‘Putting seniors first was the right decision.’ DeSantis defends vaccine rollout” via Skyler Swisher of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel — DeSantis defended Florida’s
rollout of the vaccine to older and vulnerable residents at The Villages mega-retirement community on Tuesday, saying he was ahead of other states in prioritizing seniors. Long lines, faulty appointment websites, jammed phone lines and blindsided
local officials marred Florida’s push to offer the shot to seniors. But DeSantis said he made the right call to rush out the vaccine to seniors. “Putting seniors first was the right decision,” DeSantis said. DeSantis broke with initial CDC guidelines,
which would have put essential workers like grocery store employees, teachers and postal workers ahead of healthy seniors between the ages of 65-74.
“Florida's botched COVID vaccine rollout signals need for better pandemic response” via The Palm Beach Post editorial board
Attorney General …
“Florida’s Historic Capitol to illuminate blue for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics — The Florida Historic Capitol building will shine blue Monday evening to raise awareness for human trafficking. Florida Attorney General Moody
said the gesture unites Florida with other states and groups recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. “As Attorney General, I am committed to ending human trafficking in Florida,” Moody said in a news release. “This is a momentous goal,
and we need as much help from Floridians on this mission as possible. To shine a light on these atrocious crimes and encourage public support, tonight, we are lighting Florida’s Historic Capitol blue — the international color of human trafficking
awareness. Moody encouraged lawmakers and council members to show their support by wearing blue and posting on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueOAG
Moody Formerly Worked with Group that Urged Capitol Protest - Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is distancing herself from a group called Rule of Law Defense Fund, with which
she formerly worked, after it urged people to descend on the Capitol last week to "march to the Capitol building and call on Congress to stop the steal." Tampa Bay Times
"Ashley Moody disavows politics, but fights Trump’s battles" via Sue Carlton of the Tampa Bay Times
Miscellaneous …
"Disney joins companies not contributing to Republicans who objected to Biden’s win" via Steven Lemongello
of the Orlando Sentinel
.Legislation filed so far …
State representative are allow to file only 7 bills whereas State Senators have no limit on how many bill they can file. The first two bills by a Representative must be submitted to bill drafting by January 19. The remaining 5 must be submitted to bill drafting by January 29. All bills must be filed by March 2 at noon.
HB 111 by Sirois & SB 424 by Brandes - Autonomous Practice by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
This bill would revise practice requirements for autonomous advanced practice registered nurse.
SB 614 by Rodriguez, A - Assault or Battery on Hospital Personnel
This bill provides enhanced criminal penalties for persons who knowingly commit assault or battery upon hospital personnel, etc.
SB 7000 by Senate Health Policy - OGSR/Nurse Licensure Compact
The proposed committee bill amends a provision which provides an exemption from public record requirements for certain personal identifying information of nurses in the Nurse Licensure Compact and from public record and meeting requirements for certain
meetings or portions of meetings and certain records held by the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators; removing the scheduled repeal of the exemptions, etc.
On Committee agenda - Health Policy, 01/27/21, 09:00 am, 412 K
SB 7002 by Senate Health Policy - OGSR/Trade Secrets/Department of Health
This proposed committee bill amends a provision which provides an exemption from public records requirements for certain trade secrets contained in records, reports, or information submitted to the Department of Health; removing the scheduled repeal of
the exemption, etc.
On Committee agenda - Health Policy, 01/27/21, 09:00 am, 412 K
HB 7 by McClure and SB 72 by Brandes - Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19
The proposed legislation provides requirements for civil action based on COVID-19-related claim; provides that plaintiff has burden of proof in such action; provides statute of limitations; provides retroactive applicability.
SB 72 On Committee agenda - Judiciary, 01/25/21, 2:30 pm, 412 K
HB 9 by Zika - Protecting Consumers Against Fraud During a Pandemic
This bill prohibits dissemination of false or misleading vaccine information with specified intent; provides prosecutorial authority & criminal penalties; authorizes civil remedies.
SB 494 by Burgess - Administration of Vaccines
The proposed legislation was filed to improve access to vaccinations for Floridians. It would amend Florida State Statutes to allow pharmacists who meet certain requirements to administer vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to adults. This legislation will increase the number of vaccination sites by allowing licensed and approved pharmacists to vaccinate the public at their local pharmacy.
HB 29 by Willhite & SB 262 by Harrell - Dispensing Medicinal Drugs
The bill authorizes certain hospitals to dispense supplies of prescribed medicinal drugs in a specified amount to emergency department patients or inpatients upon discharge under certain circumstances; authorizing a greater specified supply of medicinal
drugs to be prescribed and dispensed in areas in which a state of emergency has been declared and is in effect; authorizing a prescriber to provide a patient with a prescription for medicinal drugs beyond the initial prescription period under certain
circumstances, etc.
SB 554 by Thurston - Human Trafficking Education in Schools
The proposed legislation revises the required health education in public schools to include information regarding the dangers and signs of human trafficking; specifying the minimum requirements of the human trafficking education portion of the comprehensive
health education curriculum, etc.
HB 1 by Fernandez-Barquin & SB 484 by Burgess – Combatting Public Disorder
SB 484 makes it clear that here in Florida criminals who seek to thwart peaceful protests by willfully inciting violence, attacking law enforcement, and destroying public or private property will be held accountable. Read the statements from Governor Ron DeSantis, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, Senate President Wilton Simpson, and Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin
HERE.
SB 520 by Burgess – Social Media Websites
This legislation would require social media companies to provide individual and business users notice when the website has suspended or disabled a user’s account and requires the companies to detail the steps necessary to restore the account.
Note – to review House Bills (HB) and staff analysis – go to www.myfloridahouse.gov and type in bill number. To review Senate Bills (SB) and staff analysis – go to www.flsenate.gov
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