Florida Legislature’s special session ends with four bills headed to Gov. DeSantis’ desk

Reporter: Sydney Persing Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
Florida State Representatives participate in a special legislative session considering bills targeting COVID-19 vaccine mandates, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida lawmakers on Monday began debating a package of bills to combat coronavirus vaccine mandates, continuing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fight against virus rules. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Four anti-mandate bills are headed to the governor’s desk after the Florida Senate and House approved all of them. They will require more exemptions for businesses with mandates and develop a plan to withdraw from OSHA.

The special session is now over, but that does not mean the work is done. Gov. DeSantis still has to sign the bills.

All four anti-vaccine mandate bills passed with flying colors in the House and Senate.
It was helped by Republicans comfortably controlling both chambers.

Naples’ Republican Kathleen Passidomo, the incoming State Senate President said, “that’s the nature of the beast, and there’s really nothing wrong with it.”

Democrats didn’t go home quietly. They said Republicans put on a circus to kiss up to Gov. DeSantis.

DeSantis is expected to sign all four bills into law.

WINK News asked North Fort Myers Republican Spencer Roach if he expects a lawsuit. “I’m sure there will be legal challenges and I’m sure we will prevail.”

Political Scientist Aubrey Jewitt said the impact on Florida’s residents will begin as soon as the governor signs his name.

“That means local governments, local businesses, schools, everybody’s gotta be on the ball saying okay, this is what’s passed, these are the rules and regulations we have to follow now, and right now. And particularly for small businesses who could face large fines, it’s pretty important they get this right,” said Jewitt.

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