State GOP chairman Sen. Joe Gruters says it could add more than $600 million a year to Florida's economy, which has taken a hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

It would require new state employees to enroll in a 401(k)-style plan instead of a pension plan.

Among the measures are a full legalization of marijuana, along with a proposal that would prevent employees from being penalized if they test positive but have a prescription.

Among other things, the proposal would expand school vouchers and allow parents to use education savings accounts to pay for private schools and other costs.

For much of the past year, state transportation officials heard strong opposition to plans for three major new toll roads in Florida. But the controversial projects aren’t dead.

Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee in March facing at least a $2 billion budget shortfall. And that’s despite an infusion of more than $6 billion in federal money aimed at helping the state weather the coronavirus pandemic.

It's a stark contrast to what normally takes place during the initial round of committee hearings.

Florida lawmakers have divided the question of COVID-19 liability protections into several different proposals, and the first bills protecting against fraud and the other for businesses, recently rolled out.

Appropriations Chairman Jay Trumbull says possible assistance from the federal government won't make up for the shortfall.

Sen. Aaron Bean says there is statewide frustration over the state's plans and that Department of Health officials need to provide the public with a “clear direction.”

A similar proposal to form an Office of Resiliency failed to get through House committees during last year's legislative session.

It's in response to a bill that would increase penalties on violent protesters after some supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.