A bill containing tort reforms that a trial attorney association says will threaten Floridians’ right to jury trials was introduced in the Florida Legislature last week with the backing of the governor and legislative leaders.

Rep. Tommy Gregory (R-Lakewood Ranch) introduced House Bill 837 in the wake of an announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner pledging bold steps to improve the state’s legal climate.

The bill’s supporters say it would build on legislation passed in December that aimed to stabilize the state’s property insurance market, which has been struggling to deal with litigated claims and insurer insolvencies. But the Florida Justice Association, previously known as the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, said last week that HB 837 would grant too much power to the state’s insurance industry.