|
Several healthcare-related bills advanced in the Legislature this week. SB 688 (Naturopathic Medicine) passed the Senate 33–3 and is now in House messages, while SB 1756 (Medical Freedom) passed the Senate Rules Committee and was placed on the Special Order Calendar; however, House Speaker Daniel Perez indicated the House will not take up the bill this session. Other measures also moved forward, including CS/HB 1175 (Safety Design Standards for Office Surgery Suites) passing the Rules Committee, SB 196/HB 327 (Uterine Fibroid Research Database) passing both chambers with amendments, SB 42/HB 47 (Specific Medical Diagnoses in Child Protective Investigations) becoming enrolled after unanimous approval, SB 914/HB 867 (Dry Needling) passing and being enrolled, SB 1668 (Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association) passing the Senate unanimously, and HB 697 (Drug Prices and Coverage) passing the House 108–0 and moving to the Senate Rules Committee.
Meanwhile, budget negotiations remain challenging, raising concerns about the legislative timeline. Under legislative rules, the budget must be finalized several days before adjournment to allow for the constitutionally required 72-hour review period before final passage. With the 60-day session scheduled to end March 13, lawmakers would typically need a final agreement by around March 10. Legislative leaders have acknowledged that reaching a deal on time may be difficult, and if negotiations do not progress quickly, the Legislature may need to extend the session or return for a special session to complete the state budget before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
For the full legislative session week 8 update, please click the red button below.
| 
