Overview
- The paired measures, HB 1047 and SB 1122, would let public hospital districts form wide‑ranging joint operations and for‑profit ventures and would confer broad state‑action immunity from antitrust laws, overriding conflicting statutes.
- Opponents say the proposal could allow locally raised hospital taxes to be spent outside their home counties and move forward without public hearings or voter approval.
- In Broward County, Broward Health and Memorial share CEO Shane Strum, who promotes collaboration and says the legislation does not constitute a merger.
- The Senate bill is set for its first committee hearing this week as several Broward legislators report limited information and press for a slower, locally vetted process.
- HCA Florida HealthCare, a private competitor operating multiple Broward hospitals, is leading organized opposition with significant lobbying muscle in Tallahassee.