The 2022 Special Legislative Session called by the Governor has concluded. The focus of the Special Session was related to COVID, and resulted in four bills.
The following are excerpts of the Special Session outcomes by the Great Gainesville Chamber of Commerce in its November 19, 2021 e-newsletter:
Today, Governor DeSantis signed four new bills into law emerging from the Special Session of the Florida Legislature.
This bill blocks private and public entities from mandating vaccines. In addition, the new law prevents public entities from requiring masks. A final provision of the bill grants rule making authority of COVID protocols to the Florida Department of Health with a draft of the new rules due out early next week.
Bill Passed House: 78 – 39
Bill Passed Senate: 24 – 14
This new law shields the private health and religious records from being made public over the course of an investigation into a COVID-19 policy.
Bill Passed House: 85 – 31
Bill Passed Senate: 26 – 10
This new law orders Florida to develop a roadmap for a state workplace safety plan, a course that could lead Florida to begin the process of withdrawing from OSHA. The law does require the new plan to be as strict as the current federal law and any changes must be approved by the federal government.
Bill Passed House: 76 – 38
Bill Passed Senate: 23 – 13
After September 11 until the signing of this new law, Florida law allowed the Surgeon General to mandate vaccines by “any mean necessary”. While the power had never been used before, HB 7 repeals the vaccine mandate power. It does not repeal the additional powers granted to the office: to examine, test, treat and quarantine individuals during a public health emergency, forcibly, if needed.
Bill Passed House: 82 – 34
Bill Passed Senate: 23 – 13
Florida’s business owners should make themselves aware of the new bills and their impacts. This series will continue to report on additional legislative and statutory developments.
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To consult with an experienced business law lawyer today, call 855-780-9986
For more information, call Philip N. Kabler, Esq. of the Gainesville, FL office of Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A. at (352) 332-7688, where he practices in the areas of business, real estate, banking, and equine law. He has taught business and real estate law courses at the University of Florida Warrington College of Business Administration and Levin College of Law. He is a member of the Greater Gainesville Chamber Board of Directors, and is the Immediate Past President of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association.
NOTICE: The article above is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or investment advice, and readers should not rely on it as such. It is offered only as general information. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding their legal matters, as every situation is unique.
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