TAMPA, Fla. – An expansion of Florida’s “Safe Haven” policy — which made it legal to surrender unwanted infants, as long as they are given up to specific agencies like hospitals, fire stations and EMS services unharmed — is sitting on Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk awaiting his signature. 

The expanded law would allow women more time to drop off the newborn, from the current seven-day deadline, to 30 days. It would also authorize 911 dispatchers to arrange an infant drop-off location in case the child’s guardian has no transportation to an agency’s site.

“I think, basically, people were just wanting to give moms more time. And, other states have 30 days, and it’s a positive thing, really,” said Nick Silverio, the CEO of A Safe Haven for Newborns. “[The mother] might be going through postpartum. She might be going through a medical condition that she had delivering the baby… this just gives her more time.”

READ: Florida’s six-week abortion ban takes effect

An adoption agency in St. Petersburg said it’s a good time for this expanded law, given the six-week abortion ban that took effect in the state. 

“I think we’re going to see with the six-week [abortion] ban, we’re going to see an increase. I come from child welfare for over 30 years, and we’re going to see an increase in those children coming in for care,” said Connie Going of “Going Adoption and Surrogacy in St. Pete. “I think that we’re going to see an increase in adoptions. I think we’re going to see an increase in parenting, which means we as communities have to step up and provide services that support families.”

This bill also comes just days after a baby was found dead in a garbage bin on The University of Tampa’s campus last week. The baby’s mother told police she gave birth in her dorm bathroom before it briefly cried and then died, court records said. 

The UT student also said she didn’t know she was pregnant, and then later told police she may have been in denial about not being pregnant and hadn’t had a period in about a year. 

The policymakers hope this law will prevent tragic situations like that. 

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the country. Starting this summer, a new law will make it easier to get treated before someone is infected.

“We know PEP access and expanding that access is a critical component to ending the HIV epidemic in Florida,” Equality Florida Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer said.

Nearly 125,000 people across Florida are living with HIV, according to the state health department. Under a new law, pharmacists will be able to screen someone who might have been exposed to HIV and offer prevention medication. This method of treatment, often known as PEP, is effective at preventing HIV if taken within 72 hours of exposure.

“We know how difficult it can be for folks to get into care, to find a primary physician who’s taking new patients. Let alone one who has expertise in PEP and HIV issues,” Maurer said.

Thousands of pharmacies across the state are already part of an agreement that will help expand access to care.

“This is an emergency situation that people aren’t aware of so educating the public is going to be very important in this process,” Florida Retail Federation Vice President of Government Affairs Angela Bonds said.

Rep. Gallop Franklin, (D) Tallahassee, said offering this service at neighborhood pharmacies helps the entire community.

“It helps them live longer productive lives, brings down the burden of the entire health care system, and people can still enjoy life and live a long time without fear of contracting a disease,” Rep. Franklin said.

Pharmacists will be able to start screening for HIV and begin this treatment when the law takes effect on July 1. Primary care doctors still handle preventative medications known as PrEP.

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida man is suing several companies on accusations that his prescription Adderall sent him into “psychosis,” according to court records filed on Wednesday.

WKMG in Orlando reported that the records show that the man — Robert Buckley — had his Adderall prescriptions filled by pharmacists at the following locations:

• CVS: Orlando — 4974 N. Alafaya Trail

• COSTCO: Winter Park — 3333 University Blvd.

• PUBLIX: Orlando — 400 E. Central Blvd.

• PUBLIX: Oviedo — 4250 Alafaya Trail

• PUBLIX: Casselberry — 1455 FL-436

However, the lawsuit claims that Buckley was over-medicated, which sent him into psychosis.

“Buckley suffered from an overdose causing psychosis, was falsely imprisoned, suffers seizures, and now suffers permanent injuries,” the lawsuit reads.

In addition, the lawsuit argues that Buckley suffered injuries and “mental anguish,” and he will “be obligated to pay large sums of money for doctors’ bills, hospital bills, and other directly and indirectly related expenses in an effort to alleviate his suffering and cure his injuries.”

As a result, Buckley is now suing Publix, CVS, Costco and the associated pharmacists.

The lawsuit accuses them of negligence in providing Buckley’s Adderall, claiming they were responsible for his overmedication.

Due to this, the lawsuit is seeking over $50,000 in damages.

Read the full lawsuit below: