TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A business-friendly bill that would forbid local governments from requiring businesses to offer paid or unpaid family and medical leave is on its way to Gov. Rick Scott.
The Florida Legislature passed the bill Thursday, but only after stripping out a controversial provision dealing with wages.
Supporters contend the bill is needed in order to avoid a patchwork system of local laws. Opponents contend the bill hurts part-time employees who can't afford to take unpaid time off from work to deal with sick children and other relatives.
Orange County residents got enough signatures for a ballot referendum requiring businesses to give paid sick time to workers but the county commission never placed it on the ballot. A judge ordered the measure to be put before voters in 2014.
