(FixThisNation.com) – On Tuesday, the Florida State Senate passed a bill that would ban counties and cities from taking any extreme heat relief measures to protect workers.
The Republican-controlled Senate in a 28-11 vote stated that counties and cities would not be allowed to implement mandatory water breaks or other measures that went beyond the state or federal law requirement.
Senate Bill 1492, which was introduced by Sen. Jay Trumbull (R), argues that political subdivisions could not implement additional mandates that employers would have to follow for heat relief that extended beyond the measures already implemented by the state.
Those who support the bill have argued that this will ensure that all regulations are uniform and that there is no inconsistency in the rules across the country. Many labor organizations have opposed this bill claiming that heat relief is essential to ensure the safety of workers, especially for people who are working in agriculture and construction.
The bill is going into effect on July 1, 2024, if it passes through the House and is signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). This decision came shortly after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with the summer season also being the warmest season recorded.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates the rules that employers in the state need to follow, however, there are no standards imposed here for extremely high temperatures.
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