Florida House Passes Drug-Abused Babies Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A bill that would create a task force on babies born addicted to their mothers’ prescription drugs has passed in the Florida House.

The measure (HB 227) passed unanimously and now goes to the Senate. A similar bill (SB 402) has one more committee stop in the Senate.

The legislation is a top priority for Attorney General Pam Bondi.

She said the task force would be a first step toward dealing with a burgeoning problem associated with the growth in prescription drug abuse.

Top state officials including Bondi would serve on the panel. It would recommend solutions focusing on prevention and education.

Bondi says it’s a public health rather than law enforcement matter as some mothers don’t realize they are endangering their babies.

Source: Associated Press