Immunity
The Senate Judiciary Committee advances a bill that would immunize businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— The immunity bill is on the fast track in Tallahassee, much to the dismay of Sen. Perry Thurston. He wonders why business is first in line for help when so many Floridians are unemployed, facing eviction and waiting months for vaccines.
— Florida’s Department of Health announced Monday 156 additional fatalities from COVID-19 and 8,720 newly confirmed cases. Nevertheless, Gov. Ron DeSantis says there are fewer people in the hospital for coronavirus.
— During a news conference in Jacksonville, DeSantis also announced the first round of vaccinations at long-term care facilities are almost done.
— COVID-19 changed the way Florida lawmakers conduct business. Senate President Wilton Simpson seems absolutely delighted that there will be limits to the number of lobbyists in The Capitol.
— Simpson also warned his fellow lawmakers that most people in The Capitol won’t be vaccinated until April, so COVID-19 restrictions will be in place throughout the Legislative Session.
— The Senate Commerce Committee votes to raise revenue by more than $600 million by collecting sales tax on all internet purchases. But the sponsor insists it’s not really a tax increase.
— And finally, a Florida Woman is accused of running a whorehouse at a luxury home in a gated community.