The bill would help shield businesses from claims for damages, injuries or deaths related to the pandemic. The Judiciary Committee spent more than two hours debating the bill and four amendments before voting 7-4 along party lines to move it to the Commerce and Tourism Committee. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday approved a proposal that would give Florida businesses that “substantially” comply with public health guidelines broad protection from coronavirus-related lawsuits filed by customers and employees. The bill (SB 72) would not apply to health care providers such as hospitals, nursing homes and physicians, who have been clamoring for protections since spring. Instead, the bill would help shield other types of businesses and educational and religious institutions from claims for damages, injuries or deaths.