Florida lawmakers open committee hearings amid pandemic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida lawmakers are returning to the state Capitol to begin considering legislation ahead of the 2021 legislative session, amid a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across Florida. It was a subdued opening to their work. A procedural briefing for committee leaders had to be postponed because state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo announced Sunday she tested positive for the virus. The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee was scheduled to meet Monday, with members of the public and lobbyists not directly involved in the hearing having to monitor proceedings blocks away from a Florida State University arena.