After coasting through a session where a compliant Republican-controlled Legislature approved almost all of his priorities, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday vetoed his first bills of 2023 – including one sought by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
DeSantis struck down two healthcare-related bills, including one, HB 385, involving professional counseling services that had been approved unanimously by lawmakers.
The other, SB 230, sought by Passidomo, a Naples Republican, proved more controversial as it made its way through the House and Senate. It was intended to regulate the titles and professional designations used by healthcare practitioners in their advertising.
DeSantis provided no explanation for the vetoes, with one-paragraph letters accompanying a release mentioning that he also signed 12 bills into law Friday.