Florida Senate passes bill banning local heat protections for workers

The Florida Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would prohibit local agencies from providing heat protection to workers.

Republican-controlled Senate The vote was 28-11. The bill would prohibit cities and counties from imposing mandatory water shutoffs or other extreme heat mitigation measures beyond those required by state or federal law.

The bill, Senate Bill 1492, was introduced by Sen. Jay Trumbull (R). The bill states that political departments cannot “establish, require, or otherwise require an employer” to provide goods or services that “satisfy or provide heat exposure requirements” that are not already mandated. It is said that

Supporters of the bill say it would create uniform regulations rather than inconsistent rules across the state. NBC News first reported.

Labor groups have pushed back, saying heat protection measures are needed for the safety of workers, especially in construction and agriculture.

The bill is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2024, but must be approved by the House of Representatives before heading to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for signature.

This comes on the heels of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirming that 2023 was the single hottest year on record. Summer was also confirmed to be the hottest season on record.

NBC News said Florida employers are required to follow general rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, but the agency has not yet published standards regarding dangerously high temperatures.