Next week in the Florida legislature

(12 Mar 2021) The Florida legislature is entering week 3 of its two-month session. one of the year's most controversial bills could go before the full senate on Thursday: Shielding businesses from COVID-related lawsuits. The legislation is a top priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his fellow republicans in the statehouse. the house ok'd its version of the measure earlier this month. Immunity from COVID lawsuits is especially important for long-term care facilities in a state where nearly 11,000 residents in those facilities have died from the disease. Business owners fear that a wave of frivolous lawsuits is on the way. Critics say grieving families may never have their day in court if the bill becomes law. They say businesses should not get blanket immunity and should not go unpunished for their recklessness during the coronavirus pandemic. And later this week, the senate's criminal justice committee will take up a bill that it's heard before: a measure that in some cases would ban the arrest of young children. If you recall, there was national outrage last year over the arrest of a 6-year-old schoolgirl in Orlando. a school officer zip-tied the sobbing girl as she is pleading for a second chance. Last year's version won wide support but never made it to the governor's desk because it was attached to a school safety bill that ultimately failed to win passage. To win on its own, this year's measure covers fewer children -- only those who are under 7 years old. And also getting a hearing in the coming week is a measure that would ban smoking and vaping in some of the state's most beautiful outdoor areas. Florida is known worldwide for its beaches, state parks and fresh air. Some lawmakers want to preserver that reputation by banning smoking and vaping at state parks and public beaches. Right now, only the state has the authority to enact limits on smoking. But the measure going before the senate environmental and natural resources committee would also give cities and counties authority to do the same at public beaches and local parks under their jurisdiction. Come of Florida's beaches have been declared among the most beautiful. But a widely touted annual ranking of the country's best beaches dings coastlines used by some as ashtrays. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/10201102858... Tumblr: https://aparchives.tumblr.com/​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...