ATRA Applauds Gov. DeSantis’s Veto of H.B. 6017, Preserving Florida’s Civil Justice Progress

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Lawmakers Urged to Resist Trial Bar’s Pressure to Expand Liability

The American Tort Reform Association commends Gov. Ron DeSantis for vetoing H.B. 6017, a decision that safeguards Florida’s historic civil justice reforms and helps ensure the state does not slide back into its former “Judicial Hellhole®” status.

“Gov. DeSantis’s veto of H.B. 6017 is a decisive stand for fairness and common sense in Florida’s courts,” said Tiger Joyce, ATRA’s president. “Gov. DeSantis’s leadership continues to protect Florida families, health care providers and businesses from the excessive litigation and spiraling costs that once earned the state the Judicial Hellhole® label.”

In 2023, Florida earned national recognition as a Judicial Hellholes® “Point of Light” after enacting landmark tort reform measures that restored balance to the state’s legal system. H.B. 6017 would have reversed those gains by drastically expanding liability in wrongful death medical negligence cases and opening the door to a surge of lawsuits — threatening access to care and driving up costs for everyone.

“Today, the governor’s veto pen keeps Florida on the path of progress,” Joyce said. “We urge the legislature to refrain from passing further liability-expanding legislation and respect the spirit of the reforms they passed a mere two years ago. Lawmakers – do not undermine the hard-won improvements to Florida’s legal climate before their positive impacts can even fully be felt. We implore you to stay the course and not fall for the trial bar’s tricks.”

ATRA submitted a letter on May 8 urging the governor’s veto, stating “We expect legislation like this in New York, not in Florida.”

The Association remains committed to working with Florida’s leaders to protect consumers, promote economic growth, and ensure access to quality health care by preserving a fair and balanced civil justice system.

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