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DeSantis is championing medical freedom. GOP state lawmakers like what they see.

The “medical freedom” movement, mostly known for its opposition to vaccine requirements, was long consigned to the fringes of libertarian and left-wing politics. Then came Ron DeSantis.

The Florida governor and likely presidential candidate has secured a place for the movement in the conservative mainstream. And as a sitting governor, he has the opportunity to distinguish himself from other declared and potential candidates by putting his vision into practice.

DeSantis, who this week begins a media tour to promote his new book “The Courage to Be Free,” launched a “Prescribe Freedom” campaign in January that proposes permanently limiting Covid-19 vaccination and mask requirements and giving cover to physicians whose medical views depart from scientific consensus. He also plans to set up a panel to review recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and called for a grand jury to “investigate crimes and wrongdoing committed against Floridians” related to the Covid vaccine.

New policies hitting the legislative floor. How do they affect Florida families?

Lawmakers will meet in Tallahassee in one week on March 7 for the start of this year’s legislative session. During that time, they’ll pass bills that will affect you and your loved ones. WMFE's Talia Blake talked with Florida Policy Institute’s CEO Sadaf Knight about how some policies impact Florida families.

The legislative session is just one week away and during that time lawmakers have to pass a state budget.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed Framework for Freedom budget which includes tax holidays on children’s books and toys, disaster preparedness and more.

Proposed bill limits who may sue Florida nursing homes for wrongful death of a loved one

Adult offspring and other family members could be prohibited from suing a nursing home or assisted living facility for the wrongful death of a loved one under a proposed bill by a Pasco County legislator.

Rep. Randy Maggard (R-Dade City) filed HB 1029 last week, a far-reaching bill that would, among other changes, limit claims against long-term care facilities in Florida to only a living spouse or offspring younger than 25 — mirroring a Florida statute that applies to the medical profession. A companion bill (SB-1304) was proposed Tuesday in the Senate.

The proposed law comes as Florida nursing homes are seeing a spike in violations and complaints. The Tampa Bay Times reported in early February that incidents have nearly doubled in Florida nursing homes since 2019. 

Ashley Moody pushing legislation to reclassify “Frankenstein opioids”

State Attorney General Ashley Moody is offering her public support for Senate Bill 736, filed by Sen. Jason Brodeur, which would permanently add nitazene compounds — colloquially known as Frankenstein opioids — to the list of Schedule I substances in Florida.

According to state law, a substance demarcated by Schedule I classification has a high potential for abuse. Per the Office of the Attorney General, nitazene compounds are synthetic opioids that have been found to be significantly more potent than fentanyl. 

The label would also prevent the drug from being administered in controlled medical environments, as it would not meet accepted safety standards.

Brodeur’s bill, filed on Feb. 17, has been referred to the Criminal Justice and Fiscal Policy committees, where the legislation will be reviewed during the upcoming Regular Session.