Danny Burgess Jr.

Under a bill introduced by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, employers must offer a testing alternative and honor certain exemptions.

Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, said he worries the measure cracks down on dissent — a tenant of American democracy — and does so in a way that would hurt Black and minority voices.

The bill's sponsor says it is intended to to protect local residents from mayors or city managers who enact long-lasting executive orders that some say could infringe on personal rights.

Incoming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has named a state representative who is a member of the Army Reserves to be his veterans' affairs director.