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Senate Bill Seeks To Limit Leave For Employees

TALLHASSEE (CBSMiami) – A Senate bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday that would prevent local governments and voters from setting policies on items like earned sick leave.

The bill would strip the power of voters and local governments to control the businesses in the area and give all of the power to Tallahassee. The bill's sponsor said he wants the state to have sole control over leave to avoid a patchwork system of local and county laws.

The measure is also a clash between employers and unions and those for increased benefits for the workers. Opponents of the measure say that the state should leave local governments alone, especially if the Legislature won't strengthen protections for workers on its own.

On the House side, a companion bill has made its way through multiple committees. House Majority Leader Steve Precourt, stressed the need for consistency and brushed away the idea that voters' voices wouldn't be heard.

The bill poses an ideological battle for Republicans in the Legislature. Republicans champion less government and letting local voters decide the issues, but the bill in question would force extra government regulation on voters lives.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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