The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has commended Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for vetoing House Bill 6017, a piece of legislation the organization argued would have undermined the state’s civil justice reforms.
According to ATRA, House Bill 6017 aimed to expand liability in wrongful death medical negligence cases by allowing adult children of deceased parents to sue for damages. This represented a significant departure from existing Florida law. The association contended that such a change would reverse recent tort reform achievements in the state, potentially leading to increased litigation and higher costs for healthcare providers and businesses. ATRA emphasized that this shift could jeopardize Florida’s progress in improving its civil justice system.
In 2023, Florida was recognized as a “Point of Light” in the Judicial Hellholes report by the American Tort Reform Foundation. This recognition highlighted the state’s significant legal reforms aimed at curbing lawsuit abuse. These reforms included measures to increase transparency in damages, adjust comparative fault rules, and limit attorney fee multipliers, contributing collectively to a more balanced legal environment. ATRA warned that enacting H.B. 6017 would undermine these reforms and potentially lead to a resurgence of excessive litigation in the state.
On May 8, 2025, ATRA submitted a formal letter to Governor DeSantis urging him to veto H.B. 6017. The letter expressed concerns that the bill would erode the state’s hard-won civil justice reforms. It argued that the proposed legislation resembled measures more commonly seen in states with less favorable legal climates and could adversely affect Florida’s economy and healthcare system. The organization’s proactive engagement underscored its commitment to preserving the integrity of Florida’s legal reforms.
According to its official website, ATRA is a national organization dedicated to reforming the civil justice system to promote fairness, reduce litigation abuse, and enhance economic development. The association engages in research, public education, and advocacy efforts to support legal reform initiatives at both state and federal levels. Its mission is to create a more balanced and predictable legal environment that fosters economic growth and protects consumers.
