TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Ever since their loved ones died and they found out they could not sue for medical negligence, Cindy Jenkins and Sabrina Davis along with a team of families have been pushing to get Florida’s so-called “Free Kill” law repealed.

Wednesday, they were in Tallahassee in the House chambers as the House passed a bill to repeal the law by a vote of 104 to 6.

“We were all holding hands as they were calling out the names, and our tears were being shed, and it felt like their life did matter because ever since we lost our loved ones, we’ve essentially been told, ‘oh, their life had no value,'” Cindy Jenkins, who lives in St. Johns County, said.

“I mean, we’ve never made it this far. It’s just unbelievable. I’m still having to pinch myself, like, ‘is this really happening?’” Jenkins said. “So, I’m pretty optimistic that this is the year.” 

She was joined by a team of families who were barred from suing for medical negligence because their loved ones who died in Florida all fell into the same category. They were not married, over the age of 25 and had no children under 25 — and that meant they couldn’t sue.

“Everybody’s life should have the same value, and we should all have equal access to the courts, and I don’t want anyone to find out about this like I did,” Sabrina Davis said.

She found out about the law after her father, Keith Davis, died in a Florida hospital.

It’s a law that’s been on the books for 35 years. A law she and Jenkins have pleaded with lawmakers to repeal.

“It’s hard to put that into words,” Davis said. “I’m feeling honored, I’m feeling positive about all of this. Ultimately, nothing will bring my dad back, but I feel like if we can make this change for the people of the future, then the freedom that he fought for will eventually be honored.”

While the bill has passed the Florida House, it still has to pass the Florida Senate. Wednesday, a similar bill, Senate Bill 734 filed by State Senator Clay Yarborough from Jacksonville, passed a third Senate committee. It’s now headed to the Senate floor for a vote which could happen as early as next week. If passed, it would then go to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature. It would take effect July 1, 2025.