A measure moving forward in both chambers would allow hospitals to open new trauma centers without approval from the state Department of Health, the South Florida Business Journal reports. Deregulation would likely lead to additional trauma centers; critics say they’re not needed and would result in lower quality of care than at existing trauma centers with experienced teams. But supporters say rural areas need trauma centers in closer proximity.
Execution will come faster for many of the 404 inmates on Florida's death row, the Tampa Bay Times reports. A measure passed in the House will require the governor to sign an execution order within 30 days of the inmate exhausting all post-conviction appeals. After that, the state will have 180 days to put the inmate to death. The Senate considered a similar bill today.
Meantime, the Senate has watered down efforts by counties to enact “living wage” standards and mandate paid sick time, the Orlando Sentinel reports. If voters in Orange County in 2014 approve a sick leave measure, this bill would prevent the ordinance from being enacted.