House again passes repeal of Florida’s ‘free kill’ law | STOITM | January 20, 2026

Описание: For the second year in a row, Florida House lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at repealing a decades-old state law that limits medical malpractice lawsuits — but the measure faces long odds in the Senate and a likely veto from Governor Ron DeSantis.
The bill, House Bill 6003, passed the House by an 88-to-17 vote. It would repeal a provision in Florida’s wrongful death law that blocks families from recovering noneconomic damages — such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship — when a medical negligence victim is over 25, unmarried, and has no minor children.
Critics have long referred to the restriction as the “free kill” law, arguing it shields negligent medical providers from accountability while denying certain families access to the courts.
Bill sponsor Representative Dana Trabulsy called the law unconstitutional and unjust.
She argued that every family deserves equal access to legal recourse when medical malpractice occurs.
Supporters say the change is about fairness for real families whose loved ones died due to medical negligence — but were left without legal options.
However, the bill faces major obstacles ahead.
Unlike last year, HB 6003 has no companion bill in the Florida Senate, making its path forward more difficult. And because the bill is unchanged from last year’s version — the same version Governor DeSantis vetoed — another veto is widely expected if it reaches his desk.
Last year, DeSantis rejected the measure, warning that removing damage caps would drive malpractice insurance costs higher, raise healthcare prices, and worsen doctor shortages.
Medical associations and insurance groups again opposed the bill, warning of rising liability risks and so-called “nuclear verdicts” — multi-million-dollar jury awards — which they say destabilize healthcare systems and could reduce access to care.
But bill supporters reject those warnings as scare tactics, arguing estates — not multiple family members — would file claims, and that accountability does not equal abuse of the system.
Despite strong House support, the Senate has not yet taken up the measure. Senators could assign it to committees, amend it, or decline to hear it at all.
If the Senate does pass it, the bill would head once again to Governor DeSantis — where another veto appears likely.
The debate now moves to the upper chamber, setting up another high-profile clash over patient rights, medical liability, and access to justice in Florida.

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