Florida's 'Free Kill' Law: Families React to Governor DeSantis' Veto Plan

Families' Fight Against 'Free Kill' Law

• 💔 Sabrina Davis and Cindy Jenkins express devastation and determination after Governor DeSantis announced plans to veto a bill repealing Florida's 35-year-old "free kill" law.
• 🏛️ This law, formerly known as the wrongful death act, prevents families from suing for non-economic damages when an unmarried loved one aged 25 or older dies unexpectedly due to medical negligence.
• 🇺🇸 Florida is the only state with such a law, which families argue prevents them from seeking justice for wrongful deaths.

Governor DeSantis' Rationale for Veto

• ⚖️ Governor DeSantis stated his intention to veto the repeal, citing concerns about a "flood of lawsuits" against medical practitioners and hospitals.
• 📈 He predicts that malpractice premiums will rise, making it harder to recruit physicians to Florida, and ultimately leading to increased healthcare costs.
• 🤝 The governor's stance aligns with healthcare advocates and lobbyists who have opposed a full repeal, despite data suggesting the law has not reduced malpractice cases or payouts.

Legislative Action and Future Uncertainty

• ✅ Lawmakers in both the Florida House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill to fully repeal the law after years of failed attempts.
• ❓ It remains uncertain if lawmakers will attempt to override the governor's expected veto, which would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
• 🗣️ Families are urging lawmakers to stay true to their original vote and uphold the repeal, though the path forward is unclear.
• 🔍 The report highlights that since Governor DeSantis took office, lawmakers have not attempted to override a single veto.