TALLAHASSEE — With opposition to COVID-19 mandates a key component of his political brand, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday that includes issues such as prohibiting businesses and government agencies from requiring others to get tested for COVID-19 or wear masks to enter their facilities.
DeSantis hosted a bill signing event in Destin on the same day a federal public health emergency from COVID-19 was due to end. But DeSantis was pressed by the prospect of long-term government terms.
“The danger is now, one of the reasons we’re making this bill is, yes in Florida, we’re glad we stood our ground,” DeSantis said. “But many elites and bureaucrats think this answer is the way it’s done. long-term if something like this happens. “
The Republican-controlled House and Senate approved the bill (SB 252), the legislative consultation that ended last week. Lawmakers also approved a similar measure in a 2021 special consultation, but key elements of that law will expire on June 1, the same day. , much of the new bill will take effect.
After Florida schools and much of the economy first closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, DeSantis made a high-profile factor in getting students back into classrooms, reopening businesses and removing court orders. He touts his handling of the pandemic as he prepares for a widely anticipated White House bid in 2024.
“When the world went mad, when common sense suddenly became a virtue, the state of Florida presented itself as a safe haven of intellectual health, as a citadel of freedom,” he said on Thursday.
The bill is intended for businesses, government agencies, and fitness service providers. Among other things, the invoice:
– Prohibits businesses, government agencies, and schools from requiring Americans to submit documentation showing they have been vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 at facilities of entry.
– Prohibits businesses, government agencies, and schools from requiring others to be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 as a condition of employment.
– Prohibits businesses, government agencies, and schools from requiring other people to wear masks to enter. The bill also calls for the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration to expand criteria for “the proper use of face coverings for infection control. “in fitness facilities.
– Allows the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Health to impose fines of up to $5,000 for violation of the arrest warrant prohibitions.
– Prohibits hospitals from interfering with patients’ ability to decide on “COVID-19 remedy alternatives” as advised by doctors or other privileged providers in hospitals.
In addition to the pandemic-related bill, DeSantis also signed a measure (SB 480) that will give fitness service providers the right to opt out of insurance based on a “conscientious objection. “The bill would not apply, for example, to emergencies. that are required under federal or state law.