Florida’s special state legislative session, which has been dubbed the “Keep Florida Free” Joint Legislative Session, is scheduled to begin next Monday. The legislature will consider four bills that would provide employees with additional protections from federal and employer vaccine mandates. Among the proposed changes, natural immunity from COVID-19 would be recognized as equitable to being fully vaccinated.
In other news, Jason Mariner, the winner of the Republican primary for Congressional District 20, appears likely to remain eligible to hold the office. While Florida’s Constitution states a former felon must apply to have civil rights fully restored after completing the terms of one’s sentence, the U.S. Constitution doesn't - in order for one to hold office. Jason will face the Democrat primary winner on January 11th.
Governor DeSantis has officially filed paperwork to seek reelection for Governor next year. DeSantis enters the race as a likely favorite to win reelection. Recent polling shows DeSantis with double-digit leads over his two most likely challengers, Congressman Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.
Speaking of filed paperwork, the State of Florida has officially filed legal action against the federal government’s vaccine mandate. The state filed a motion to combat the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccination mandate issued through OSHA. According to the complaint, the state suggests the rule violates the First Amendment to the Constitution in addition to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. A federal appeals court has also issued a stay against the Biden administration's new rule pending the case being heard.