The Florida House is making a renewed push to repeal a controversial, decades-old law that has restricted some families from seeking key damages in medical-malpractice lawsuits. The effort comes just over four months after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a similar measure.
The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee voted 16-2 on Wednesday to approve HB 6003, a bill that would repeal the 1990 law. This law currently prevents people aged 25 or older from seeking “non-economic” (pain-and-suffering) damages in malpractice cases involving the death of a parent, and parents from seeking such damages for the death of a child aged 25 or older.
Divisive Issue Returns
Supporters of the repeal, including bill sponsor Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce), argue it would deliver justice to families affected by medical negligence. The issue has featured emotional testimonies from people recounting the loss of loved ones. Alyssa Crocker, whose father died due to alleged negligence, told lawmakers, “If you don’t want to be sued, don’t be negligent. It’s that simple.”
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Conversely, opponents from the health-care and insurance industries warn the repeal would significantly drive up insurance and health-care costs. Tallahassee orthopedic surgeon Andrew Borom testified that the bill would further strain doctors already facing high malpractice rates. “If your goal is to just throw another golden bone to the trial lawyers… you need to reconsider this,” Borom cautioned.
Vetoed and Relaunched
The House and Senate previously passed a repeal bill during the 2025 legislative session, but Governor DeSantis vetoed it in May, expressing concern it could “open floodgates” for litigation. The veto was not overridden.
Despite the previous roadblock, House leaders have prioritized the repeal for the legislative session beginning in January. While sponsor Trabulsy wouldn’t detail the strategy to secure final approval in 2026, she affirmed, “I don’t plan to get the same result.”
Opponents are pushing for the inclusion of a cap on non-economic damages if the law is repealed, arguing it would help mitigate increased costs. A Senate version of the bill has yet to be filed.
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