Florida

Bills introduced with the intent of legalizing physician-assisted suicide in the state of Florida (HB 471/SB 1700) failed to receive action in both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate before the end of this year’s legislative session.

New York

The state senate of New York passed their physician-assisted suicide bill (A.136/S.138) by a vote of 35-27. This bill is the most radical piece of PAS legislation to be passed in the United States, lacking a residency requirement and waiting period. The bill now moves to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk where it awaits her signature or veto.

Maine

Maine’s legislature passed an amendment to their existing PAS legislation (LD 613) which allows attending physicians to waive up to 10 days of the previously required 15 day waiting period. This amendment was then signed into law by Governor Janet Mills, and will go into effect 90 days after the end of Maine’s legislative session.