A Senate committee voted to ban taxpayer money being spent to endorse or fight constitutional amendments as it advanced legislation making it tougher for those ballot initiatives to get on the ballot in the first place.

Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly spent millions of dollars to help defeat last year’s abortion rights and marijuana legalization initiatives as he traveled around the state for press conferences, funded commercials and weaponized a state agency website to condemn abortion.

“This amendment makes sure that taxpayers don’t get the bill for political issue campaigns,” said Sen. Jennifer Bradley, the amendment’s sponsor.

Bradley argued that the state has a role in informing the public but said she worries a line is getting crossed.

“When they cross over into attempting to influence the outcome of a ballot measure, I think we’re then treading in territory that makes me very uncomfortable as a conservative who is very concerned about what our role of government is in a Democratic society,” Bradley said during Monday’s Senate Ethics and Elections Committee meeting.

The committee voted 6-3 to advance a larger bill (SPB 7016), which adds stiffer penalties for ballot sponsors caught breaking the law and would add hurdles for grassroots petition drives. 

The proposed changes include requiring a group to post a $1 million bond when it submits a proposal to the Secretary of the State. The ballot initiative sponsor could ask for the $1 million bond waived for a financial burden — but only if the sponsor isn’t paying petition circulators to collect signatures. In that case, the $1 million bond would be immediately owed.

The petitions would need to contain the ballot summary but also the financial impact statement — which in the case for Amendment 4, became politically loaded and the subject of a lawsuit. 

To fill out a petition to get an issue on the ballot, people would now be required to also write their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Grassroots efforts where neighbors and friends collect petitions would also be banned since anyone collecting more than two signatures beyond their immediate family would need to register as an official petition circulator with the state and undergo training under one of the bill’s provisions. Anyone in violation would face a third-degree felony under the bill.

The bill also raised the sponsors’ fines for violations. 

“These are reasonable regulations to protect the integrity of the ballot and to prevent fraud,” said Sen. Erin Grall, the Fort Pierce Republican who steered the bill through the committee Monday.

The Amendment 4 political action committee paid a $164,000 settlement with the state over allegations that paid petition circulators submitted fraudulent petitions.

Democrats and advocates feared the proposed changes are designed to squash any future citizen-led ballot initiatives. Past initiatives, such as implementing a $15 minimum wage and free VPK, were all progressive proposals that voters supported in a state where Republicans have a stronghold in Tallahassee.

“We are really making it impossible for the citizens, any grassroots organizations to utilize this process,” said Sen. Tina Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat. “It is called the citizen initiative process. Why? Because our Legislature doesn’t want to do the things that the citizens want.”

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The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism unanimously advanced a bill aiming to enhance transparency related to digital content, especially in regard to political candidates and political campaigns.

Zephyrhills Republican Sen. Danny Burgess filed the bill (SB 702). During the committee stop, Burgess introduced an amendment that would narrow the scope of the bill, allowing social media platforms to design a way to identify pictures, videos and audio that have been modified either in part or wholly by artificial intelligence and provide that information to the public.

The amendment also changed enforcement aspects of the bill, stipulating that this could only happen through the Attorney General’s Office.

Burgess explained that the bill would define “provenance data,” also referred to as content credentials, to help people better understand if what they’re saying or hearing is real, or if it was created or modified using generative AI tools.

“Content credentials that display underlying provenance (data) work a lot like a nutrition label for digital content,” Burgess said. “This bill has certainly been a challenge for me in terms of wrapping my arms around the ideas that AI bring to the table. There’s a lot of great benefits for it, no doubt about it. However, there are some things that we just need to make sure that we’re providing information to the public that way they can make their own determinations.”

Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters asked what exactly the bill is aiming to fix.

In response, Burgess said that the bill would simply give the public information about what they see on social media, and whether it has been modified, giving them an opportunity to make up their own minds about content they see.

“We see a lot of, especially lately, on social media that deal with candidates or political campaigns, and they illustrate the need for providing information on whether or not something was edited,” Burgess said. “We see videos of President (Donald) Trump getting into a physical altercation with somebody else, that didn’t happen. And I use that as an example because it’s something that we see all the time.”

Separate from the requirements for political campaigns and candidates, the bill would create a pilot program that would see if more accurate information could be provided and if provenance data could be fully implemented — the pilot program would sunset in 2027 and would need to provide a report to the Legislature and the Governor on whether this would be possible.

Burgess added that he has met with stakeholders to ensure that there is as little overreach as possible and that no unintended consequences emerge due to the bill’s implementation.

“I’m very confident that we’re moving in the right direction, and I’m also very confident that the policy is needed, the way we do it, we wanna make sure that we’re not creating unintended consequences, second- and third-order effects,” Burgess said. “We’ve been working with stakeholders in social media companies … broadband providers, Microsoft, other entities like that … to ensure … we’re not overreaching.”

During the bill’s debate, Orlando Democratic Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith said he was going to support the bill’s advancement but aired concerns over the infrastructure not yet existing to implement provenance data without issues.

“I’m going to support your bill today. I think it’s a good idea, we need to move in this direction because there’s so much fake stuff that’s out there on social media, there needs to be some regulation here,” Smith said.

“I do think the bill is moving really fast … it’s very ambitious. It wants to do all these things, but I hear the concerns that maybe we’re not ready for all of those things. … We need to be able to get there. I also have questions about how easily it could be circumvented if it’s not done properly.”

Despite concerns, the committee passed the measure unanimously and it will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development.

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Welcome back to Diagnosis, a vertical that focuses on the crossroads of health care policy and politics.

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— Top-tier institution —

Cleveland Clinic has been ranked the No. 2 hospital globally for the seventh consecutive year, according to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025.

Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital also earned a place among the best hospitals in the United States, ranking 48th overall and holding the title of the highest-ranked hospital in South Florida and second in Florida.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our caregivers, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver world-class care to our patients every single day,” said F. Scott Ross, M.D., vice president and Chief Medical Officer for Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, which was also named a top hospital in the nation in 2024. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, groundbreaking research and innovation and improving lives.”

Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital also received recognition in Newsweek’s 2025 rankings of World’s Best Smart Hospitals and World’s Best Specialized Hospitals, with accolades in key areas including cardiac surgery, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology and urology. The hospital was also honored on the inaugural list of America’s Best Weight Loss Clinics & Centers.

The World’s Best Hospitals rankings are based on surveys and data from hospitals in 30 countries. Newsweek partners with Statista to compile the annual rankings. Data sources include opinions from more than 85,000 medical experts globally, publicly available data on patient experience and hospital quality metrics and patient-reported outcomes measures.

— Pass/fail —

Nursing students at the University of West Florida (UWF) receive a unique education and perform uniquely compared to other schools.

The UWF School of Nursing graduates outperformed other nursing schools in Florida and similar institutions nationwide. Some 97.67% of UWF School of Nursing graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses on their first attempt. That’s the second highest percentage of passing rate in Florida’s university system.

UWF nursing graduates who earned a Bachelor of Science degree also surpassed the national average for those who took the exam. For the first two quarters of 2024, all UWF nursing grads passed the exam. UWF nursing majors passed it with 100%. There was a total of 129 UWF nursing graduates who earned their license to practice by passing that exam. “The success of our students is a testament to their dedication, the tireless efforts of our faculty, community support from local partnerships, and the strong leadership within the college,” said Renee Davis, who was recently hired as the new director of UWF’s School of Nursing. “Our faculty take pride in providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment that allows our students’ hard work and determination to shine. It’s their commitment that ultimately drives their success.”

— Grand Opening —

BayCare recently opened the state’s first behavioral health urgent care center in New Port Richey. This outpatient facility, funded by a $3.6 million grant from the Pasco County Commission, offers walk-in and same-day appointments for adults facing urgent mental health and substance use issues.

The center aims to bridge a critical gap in mental health services by providing timely access to trained professionals and helping individuals avoid crises that might otherwise lead them to emergency rooms or law enforcement. BayCare’s Director of Clinical Operations, Tracey Kaly, emphasized the importance of this facility as a safe space for urgent care and ongoing support.

“When we evaluated how we could better deliver mental health services to the community, we recognized that there was a piece of the puzzle missing,” Kaly said.

“Often, people do not seek help until they are in crisis and feel their only options are to call law enforcement or visit the ER. This center is a bridge — a safe space where people in urgent need of mental health or addiction care can be seen in a timely manner by a trained professional who can evaluate their needs and connect them with ongoing services in their area, hopefully mitigating the need for hospitalization.”

BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care patients undergo screenings and clinical evaluations to determine their immediate needs. They can also connect with recovery support specialists, who provide guidance based on personal experiences.

The project received significant backing from the Pasco County Commission, which allocated a large portion of the county’s opioid settlement funds to support it. BayCare leadership and County Commissioners, including Jack Mariano, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26. Mariano highlighted the center’s potential to save lives and reduce costs for taxpayers by keeping individuals out of jail.

Since its opening three weeks ago, the center has successfully provided comprehensive care to all patients, including safety plans and follow-up appointments, effectively mitigating the need for hospitalization. The BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Same-day appointments can be made by calling (727) 281-3350.

— Roster —

Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Nancy Swift’s appointment and Mary Chambers and James “Doc” Muir’s reappointment to the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District.

Swift is a self-employed Certified Public Accountant and Realtor. Active in her community, she currently serves as a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Key West Association of Realtors. Swift earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida International University.

Chambers is the president of MyCERA. A former Superintendent of Alachua County Schools and Deputy Superintendent of Monroe County Schools, she currently serves as the Treasurer of the Monroe County Education Foundation and the Monroe County Tropical Research Nonprofit. Chambers earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University, her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida, and her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida.

Muir is retired and previously served as an airline pilot for FedEx Corp. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, retiring with more than 20 years of service. Muir earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York.

— ICYMI —

“‘Forced medication’: Ron DeSantis wants fluoride out of water” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis isn’t holding back on fluoride in water supplies, believing it’s “forced medication.” “When you’re forcing it into the water supply, that’s not really giving people the choice. If people want to be able to purchase fluoridated water or do more, then they already have the ability to do it,” DeSantis said. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo had previously said putting fluoride in water was “insane,” given the compound’s “caustic” nature and the fact that toothpaste and other consumer products contain it and give people the option to self-administer. He recommended against community water fluoridation last year. DeSantis said Tuesday that he expects the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to “lean in the direction of Ladapo under Bobby Kennedy,” presumably offering similar guidance.

“Families praise Clay Yarborough’s proposed ‘free kill’ repeal, but health care pros say it’s inoperable” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation that would upend Florida’s unique law barring many medical malpractice lawsuits is again advancing in the Senate. Families who had little recourse after losing loved ones say change is needed to bring overdue justice to the state’s health care market. Opponents, most of them in the medical or insurance fields, warn it will make an already expensive industry unaffordable for patients and practitioners. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-2 to advance SB 734, which would repeal a 35-year-old state statute — 768.21(8) — prohibiting adult children and their parents from collecting negligence and noneconomic damages for medical malpractice. The law, which detractors have dubbed “free kill,” applies to anyone over 25 seeking medical care in the state, including residents and visitors.

“House passes Vern Buchanan-backed expansion of chronic disease coverage” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The House has passed legislation championed by U.S. Rep. Buchanan that could expand chronic disease coverage nationwide. The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (HR 919) cleared the House chamber. If the bill becomes law, it will allow employers to offer high-deductible health plan coverage for employees, including pre-deductible coverage for certain health care services that treat common chronic illnesses. “With six in 10 Americans living with at least one chronic disease, it is clear that we must expand options for people to manage their chronic health conditions,” said Buchanan, Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. In remarks on the floor, Buchanan said the cost of chronic diseases accounts for $1 trillion in spending in the American economy. It also accounts for a high percentage of preventable deaths, he said.

“Measles confirmed in Miami teenager, the first in Florida this year” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Orlando Sentinel — A teenager in Miami-Dade has a confirmed case of measles, the first such infection in Florida since a small outbreak of the disease in South Florida in 2024. The infection was reported in the Florida Department of Health database for Florida’s infectious and reportable diseases. A Miami-Dade County Public Schools spokesperson confirmed that a Miami Palmetto Senior High School student was infected. The school district has notified the parents of other students at the school. Florida Department of Health officials are working to trace anyone the student may have come into contact with, according to a letter sent to school parents by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. “Due to the high immunity rate in the school, as well as the burden on families and the educational cost of healthy children missing school, DOH is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance,” the letter states.

“New bill aims to end Florida contract with controversial pregnancy centers” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Democrat Rep. Kelly Skidmore has introduced a bill to end the state’s $29.5 million contract with a controversial pregnancy care provider. While Skidmore of Boca Raton has targeted the Florida Pregnancy Care Network and its lucrative contract in the past, this time is different. That’s because DeSantis also wants to end this same state contract. The Florida Pregnancy Care Network is a private nonprofit with over 95 locations statewide. Critics say centers in the network can be mistaken for reproductive health clinics that provide pregnancy care but are actually nonmedical facilities.

— Rules —

The Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling has issued a final rule, 64B4-3.0051, regarding documentation of substantially equivalent licensing examinations. More here.

The Board of Medicine has issued a final rule, 64B8-8.0011, regarding discipline and licensure restrictions. More here.

The Board of Opticianry has issued a final rule, 64B12-9.0015, regarding application for examination and licensure. More here.

— Pencil it in —

March 11

It’s Florida Hospital Association’s Hospital Days at the Capitol. Read more here.

It’s Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol. The event will include exhibitions in the second-floor rotunda from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

8 a.m.— The House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee meets. Room 404, House Office Building.

10:30 a.m. — The House Human Services Subcommittee meets. Room 314, House Office Building.

1:30 p.m.— The Senate Health Policy meets. Room 412, Knott Building.

March 12

It’s Florida Hospital Association’s Hospital Days at the Capitol. Read more here.

It’s CRNA Day at the Capitol. Hosted by the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, CRNA Day focuses on raising legislative awareness and education for nurse anesthetists.

1 p.m.— The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meets. Room 404, House Office Building.

March 13

1 p.m.— The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee meets. Room 102, House Office Building.

March 17

Happy birthday to Rep. David Smith!

4 p.m. — The House Health & Human Services Committee meets. Room 17, House Office Building.

March 18

9 a.m.— The House Human Services Subcommittee meets. Room 314, House Office Building.

3:30 p.m. — The Senate Health Policy Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Building.

March 19

It’s HCAF Home Care Day at the Capitol. Florida home health care professionals will gather in Tallahassee for the annual Home Care Day at the Capitol, organized by the Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF). This event provides a platform for direct engagement with state lawmakers, advocating key industry priorities and staying informed about critical policy issues shaping the future of home care in Florida.

It’s LeadingAge Florida’s Advocacy in Action Day at the Capitol.

It’s AARP Florida Day at the Capitol.

9 a.m. — The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Office Building.

10:30 a.m. — The House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee meets. Room 404, House Office Building.

1 p.m. — The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meets. Room 314, House Office Building.

March 20

2 p.m.— The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee meets. Room 102, House Office Building.

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