PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — “Free Kill” is a gut-wrenching nickname for a Florida law that prevents some victims of medical malpractice from recovering damages — singling out those who are 25 or older and not married. Florida is the only state in the country with such a restriction.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted last session to do away with the policy, passing a bill that would have ended those limits. But Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the measure, keeping “Free Kill” on the books.

Repealing the law had broad bipartisan support — all but 10 lawmakers voted in favor. After the governor’s veto, families urged legislators to override it. Instead, they allowed the veto to stand.

This week, a new billboard went up along a highway near the Florida-Georgia border, taking aim at the governor’s decision. It plays off his signature phrase — “The Free State of Florida” — and was paid for by a father who was barred from filing a malpractice lawsuit over his 33-year-old son’s death from blood-clotting complications simply because his son was unmarried.

Now, the effort to repeal the so-called “Free Kill” law is back. House Bill 6003 has been officially filed again, with supporters hoping to finally level the playing field for all victims of medical malpractice.

The measure will be the first bill heard in committee this Wednesday.

State Rep. Omar Blanco, R-Miami-Dade, and State Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, joined “This Week in South Florida” to discuss the law and other issues on the agenda this session.

This Week in South Florida: Omar Blanco, Tina Polsky

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Glenna Milberg