Video & Transcript Research : 'event liability'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- of those things, just as a quick summary, include making sure that there's proper assignment of liability
- , ensuring that intermediary liabilities on platforms are protected, and establishing a safe harbor for
- And it creates a public redress process through the Office of the Attorney General in the event a member
- This bill does not shift liability or introduce new regulations.
- And so your statement was that this law in that event would apply to no one other than banks chartered
Bills:
SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368
Keywords:
temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jul 1st, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, that dam is designed to overtop, but this was still an unusual event.
- event, is adding those impacts back into the disaster.
- And these events are getting worse and happening more.
- Drought, fire, and flood are no longer separate events in Las Vegas.
- Are we ensuring that the buyer is accepting the liability for this? this.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/12/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- platform require a waiver of liability platform require a waiver of liability at<00:21:24.720>
would prevent that waiver of liability?" would prevent that waiver of liability?"- liability liability or<00:21:50.000>
is <00:21:50.159>there <00:21:50.320>something - liability liability or<00:21:50.000>
- We've given them liability safe.
- that we're not open to liability that we're not open to liability and<00:42:53.760>
that <
Summary:
The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring parental involvement for minors using platforms in Minnesota. Early on, members reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13) after first rejecting a narrower amendment to the amendment (A18) on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then offered a technical amendment (A14) to address liability and drafting concerns, but withdrew it after saying it contained an unintended drafting error and could create legal problems, including issues around data collection and rulemaking.
During third reading debate, supporters described the bill as a first step to protect children from addictive social media design, online exploitation, and harmful data practices. Representative Scott said the bill would require parental consent and limit addictive features for child accounts, while emphasizing that the consent language must be prominent and that the bill’s effective date would not begin until next July. Representative Enen, Representative Feist, Representative Greenman, and others backed the measure as a bipartisan effort to hold big tech accountable and protect kids, though Greenman also noted that the legislature had not shown the same willingness to confront gun violence.
Opponents and skeptics raised concerns that the bill relies on parents understanding complex legal and technical terms, that it may not fully protect children, and that it could still leave gaps around liability and privacy. Representative Leeing questioned why the bill does not simply restrict addictive features for all children and asked about parental waivers and location tracking; Scott responded that the bill uses IP address information and does not specifically address liability waivers, but said the measure is a policy choice intended to empower parents. The debate ended with broad support from several members, and the bill was presented as likely to pass, though no final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:37 am
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It added clarity regarding the coverage of members of the compacts to that limited liability qualified
- In the event of contingent repeal, this amendment establishes the attorney general as the individual
- Um, uh, then we have additional changes in the event of a default makes.
- Review of the issue, and then the final set of changes are in the event of contingent.
- Madam Chair, Senator, I think you know the bill addresses any event sponsored by the school district.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to talk about VAERS, and that's the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.
- Of adverse events of special interest, especially concerning bad outcomes, that was released only by
- So, I think potentially one of the problems was the fact that there was no liability to any of these
- Do something like they did last time, then those vaccines, I assume, would have normal liability.
- Of course, on this particular product, as we talked about briefly, you know, there's no liability.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So when we do the co-locations and we think about liability, I know the school district has a board..
- So when we do the co-locations and we think about liability, I know the school district has a board,
- About liability, I know the school district has a board.
- training on the administration of emergency epinephrine, which is crucial for saving lives in the event
- Saving lives in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and took up several education bills. SB 1150, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a measure to help school districts retain school social workers by removing an exam requirement unrelated to the profession. With no questions or debate, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then moved to SB 1514, by Senator Smith, on anaphylaxis response in public schools. After adopting a delete-all amendment and a late-filed amendment clarifying FDA-approved epinephrine devices and weight-based dosing, the committee heard support from Orange County Public Schools and reported the bill favorably.
The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1708, also by Senator Calatayud, which would expand Schools of Hope by broadening the definition of low-performing schools from those in the bottom 10% in both math and reading to those in the bottom 10% in either subject, and would authorize co-location of Schools of Hope in underused public school facilities. Senators questioned how co-location would work, who could enroll, how liability and contracts would be handled, and whether the bill would help the specific students most in need. Many public speakers opposed the bill, arguing it would strain already underfunded public schools, reduce space and resources, and unfairly favor charter operators. The sponsor said the bill would not reduce classroom space in use, would require contracts to address safety and liability, and would provide a net positive to districts through a $600-per-student facility payment plus associated funding. After debate from both supporters and skeptics, the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee also considered CS for SB 822, by Senator Rodriguez, which would give charter schools more autonomy over governance and operations, including deadlines, enrollment caps, student conduct policies, and data sharing. The Florida Charter School Alliance supported the bill, arguing it would create parity and reduce burdens on charter schools, while committee members pressed the witness on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for those concerns. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on prior tabs, thanked staff, and adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Jun 30th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- set up for that, so I will be very descriptive and maybe recruit some people to reenact some of the events
- Liability is tremendous. It's huge.
- I could talk to you about liability for far longer than you'd like to hear about it, but just to give
- Incurred over $100 million in liability, not just civil liability, that includes workers' compensation
- But, uh, maybe that means not creating the liability.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As provisions, that should not be construed to obligate the oil and gas company and different liability
Bills:
SR28, SB201, SB1379, SB1525, SB1966, SB2112, SB2170, HB2749, HB3262, HB3265, HB3673, HB3781, HB3040, HB3076, HB3369, HB3982, HB3462, HB3465, HB3521, HB3796, HB3800, HB4095, HB4298, HB4316, HB4338, HB4408, HB4454
Keywords:
minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, SB1525, tourism, recreation, conference, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, special agency account, private partnerships
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 27 Mar 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, House Bill 4425 with the amendment creates a liability protection for churches to encourage
- It's to encourage well the liability protection is from the alleged wrongdoer, the individual who allegedly
- probably see less reporting and more thorough investigations that may take some time and then that liability
- We are seeing a lot more insurance claims processed by AI in the event that there's a denial and it's
Bills:
HB2059, HB3920, HB2992, HB3267, HB4457, HB3800, HB3818, HB4425, HB4427, HB4430, HB4431, HB4333, HB4340, HB4343, HB4344, HB4363, HB4229, HB4230, HB4236, HB4246, HB1979, HB3431, HB3052, HB3047, HB3048, HB4092, HB4302, HB3261, HB3704, HB3312, HB3546, HB3849, HCR1021, HB4105, HB4159, HB4304, HB3835, HB3619, HB4490, HB3710, HB4201, HB3907, HB3748
Keywords:
health care, medication, inmates, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, reimbursement, county jails, medical expenses, sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, procurement, transplant research, Oklahoma Tax Code, HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Mar 19th, 2025
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the past 2 years, at least two major winter weather events have placed livestock in serious danger
- In the past 2 years, at least two major winter weather events have placed livestock in serious danger
- Roll call is open for your vote. winter weather events have placed winter weather events have placed
- saves corporations money and liability saves corporations money and liability while<00:20:06.320
- It's a product that protects personal property used to secure a loan in the event of theft, accidents
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- From a clinical standpoint, menopause is not a single event.
- Our condo liability insurance premiums have skyrocketed over 40% in the last five years.
- So in any event, those are, you know, I see both sides to it.
- So, in any event, those are, you know, I see both sides to it.
- That's the type of liability that a company can't hold on to in perpetuity.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony on AB 1557, AB 1770, AB 2075, AB 1864, and AB 1709. AB 1557 would clarify e-bike power limits and set lower speed restrictions for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes; the author and police chiefs framed it as a youth safety measure in response to severe injuries and deaths, while bicycle industry representatives warned it could conflict with federal standards and disrupt California businesses. AB 1770 would place large health care service plans’ binding arbitration under Attorney General oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act; supporters described patient harm and biased arbitration, while Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association said they were still reviewing amendments and had concerns. AB 2075 would require fire suppression equipment to be kept on or near tractors and other work sites to prevent wildfire spread, and AB 1864 would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism; both were presented as common-sense safety measures, with AB 1864 drawing support from biosecurity experts and some industry groups raising amendment concerns.
The most extensive discussion was on AB 1709, which would prohibit social media accounts for users under 16 on platforms with harmful addictive features and create an e-safety commission. The author and supporters argued that social media companies intentionally design addictive products that harm children’s mental health, citing internal company documents, research, and recent court rulings; teen, medical, and advocacy witnesses described cyberbullying, addiction, and other harms. Opponents, including EFF and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, violates the First Amendment, increases data collection, and could cut off access to community and information for youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth and other vulnerable groups. Committee members raised questions about out-of-state users, parental use, dark web harms, and how to preserve community resources for teens; the author said the bill targets platform design rather than speech and emphasized continued work with stakeholders.
No final votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken later when quorum and agenda timing allowed, and several authors asked for aye votes or said they would continue working with opponents on amendments and clarifications.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:34 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate all of The legislators who have showed up to our community events to really underline the
- LFC didn't recommend that amount because of the concern of creating a future liability.
- I was making a few side notes and I just caught the liability aspect of it.
- Reduce payment errors, strengthen compliance, and mitigate future liability.
- Those outreach events are a collaborative effort along our whole agency.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-HHS, PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM Public Hearings 03-23-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In the unlikely event that we must abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
- And I think to myself, due to the given um recent events with the natural disasters happening in Hawaii
- > think to myself due to the given um think to myself due to the given um recent<00:05:04.280>
events - with the natural disasters recent events with the natural disasters happening<00:05:06.160>
in - from any liability that might flow<00:51:40.920>
from <00:51:41.160>these <00:51:41.400
Summary:
The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously.
For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously.
The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 26th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- From time to time, we have those natural events. Yes, ma'am.
- Well, in the event that scenario happens. Well, it's going to happen. We all eventually are going.
- Who would have a liability?
- Is it subject to the liabilities of the bank? It's owned by the individual.
- Representative Carrier, do you have an event or an announcement you need to make?
Bills:
HR320, HR321, SCR55, SCR69, SCR75, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR114, HR245, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB119, HB129, HB233, HB283, HB538, HB789, HB850, HB870, HB1236, HB1241, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB378, HB509, HB1090, HB1259, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB83, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB276, SB319, SB333, SB448, SB450, SB465, SB484, SB501, SB509, SB149, HR168, HB463, HB998, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, SB82, SB97, SB283, SB326, SB518, SB197, SB268, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB89, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487
Keywords:
Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations
Summary:
The House was called to order, a quorum was established, and the meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also observed several personal privileges and recognitions, including International Preeclampsia Awareness Month, the Hudson Cup award presentation to Rep. John Illg Jr., recognition of the Delcambre Shrimp Festival Queen, and a visit from U.S. Sen. John Kennedy. The chamber also received Senate messages, conference committee appointments, enrolled reports, and a conference report on SB 483 dealing with psychedelic-assisted therapy, which was laid over.
The House then moved through a long series of concurrence and rejection votes on Senate amendments to House bills. Among the measures concurred in were bills affecting the Louisiana Women’s Policy Research Commission, the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission, child exploitation reporting on covered platforms, the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, DCFS background checks, AI disclosure in health care, foster care placement and related terminology, criminal history record confidentiality, parish court jurisdiction, court costs, developmental disability office renaming, insurance claims and contractor licensing, Medicare Advantage coverage, colorectal cancer screening, health facilities, highway memorial designations, jury compensation, school employee protections, juvenile court fees, off-road vehicle seizure, residential property insurance cancellation, child support enforcement, and several others. The House rejected Senate amendments on bills including ethics retroactivity, sex offender registration notification, plumbers licensing, and health insurance formulary placement, sending some to conference.
Several bills were finally passed, including measures on obstructing public passages with motorized vehicles, class six injection well hearings, arson of religious buildings, wearing masks while committing felonies, professional board attorney fees, bulletproof vests for peace officers, critical infrastructure protection from foreign adversaries, debit card surcharges, electronic stock certificates, watershed restoration funding, and innovation economic development pilot hubs. The innovation hub bill drew extensive debate over no-bid contracting, transparency, and the role of elected versus unelected bodies; an amendment to limit contracting authority to parish governing authorities was withdrawn, and the bill later proceeded to final passage after extended floor discussion. The House also took up and passed or concurred in multiple other bills and resolutions, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to divided on a few measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- cannot, or employer-sponsored insurance that could change due to employment transitions or other life events
Bills:
HF3794, HF4472, HF4410, HF4347, HF4412, HF4398, HF4397, HF4201, HF4199, HF4203, HF3706, HF4071, HF4120, HF4175, HF4188
Keywords:
surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS LEAVES THE SCHOOL BOARD A LIABILITY.
- WANTED TO PARTICIPATE IN BUT AS KIDS GROW THEIR INTEREST CHANGE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IN THE EVENT
- SENATOR BERMAN YOU MAY EXPLAIN THIS BILL THAT IS ON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES.
- SERIES LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY IS A TYPE OF BUSINESS ENTITY SIMILAR TO A TRADITIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY
- AND IF THEY FAIL TO KEEP THE RECORD REQUIREMENTS AND TO TRACK THE ASSETS OF THE LIABILITIES UNDER THE
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- In any event, the standard training council has been at work.
- Lowering statutory expectations shifts risk and liability from the state to local governments, often
- areas can weaken statewide consistency and increase exposure under well-established liability frameworks
- And allow it to keep up with current events or current training needs, like digital.
- And allow it to keep up with current events or current training needs, like digital evidence, collection
Keywords:
SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting, vital statistics, public health reporting, medical records, health care providers, repeal, New Mexico, pregnancy termination, abortion data, state reporting requirements, confidentiality, reproductive health, parole, life imprisonment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, victim rights, law enforcement
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 49 - Afternoon Session Apr 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sa Thompson used to laugh at me because I would go to an event and be wearing Hey Dudes and shorts and
- He came to an event I had in my primary, and I've never forgotten that.
- And employees in the event they were to get sued and in the event there's a conflict with the DA's office
- Is there a liability concern for either the provider or for the state? No, there is not.
- It releases liability from everybody.
Bills:
HR1055, SB2170, SB1833, SB1198, HR1056, SB1730, SB563, SB1379, SB1645, SB2155, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1461, SB1457, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1344, SB1309, HR1054, SB2159, SB1948, HB1371, SB1365, SB1976, SB1975, SB2026, SB1565, SB1621, SB237, SB933, SB1427, SB1642, SB171, SB1873, SB2067, SB1623, SB1771, SB1805, SB1826, SB2072, SB444, SB2184, SB1966, SB1812, SB2117, SB2135, SB330, SB1239, SB1428, SB1531, SB1484, SB1405, SB3
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- some stake in the game and they might be a caution to file, it actually doesn't because even in the event
- Next up, members, we are going to take up H.B. 1517, civil liability for wrongful death and unborn child
- My name is Lauren McBride, and I am an attorney and the Senior Director of Liability Claims at Publix
- I oversee all of Publix's liability claims in all states of operation, including Florida.
- This is not because we have more events or more stores. Incidents are pretty flat.
Summary:
The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0.
The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0.
HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.