My heart is heavy as I share a personal and deeply painful story about my son, Jarius 'Jay' Hodge, who recently became the latest victim of what is known as the "Free Kill" law in Florida. Both Jarius and his brother, Austin, courageously served alongside each other for St Lucie Fire Department, dedicating their lives to helping & saving others. Yet, when it came to protecting their own rights and lives, the law failed them. This law, which does not hold the medical community liable for negligence or wrongful death for individuals aged 25 years or older who have no children and are not married, was shockingly reinstated on July 1, 2025, by 93% of the Florida legislature.

In the wake of our tragic loss, our family received an American flag from our Governor, DeSantis—a gesture that feels agonizingly ironic, as it was Governor DeSantis under whose leadership this harrowing law persists. This legislation essentially allows for the medical community to operate without accountability or consequence when they fail individuals like Jarius, leaving families like ours with no avenue for justice or closure.

The implications of this law are far-reaching and devastating. Every day, countless other families are at risk of experiencing the same heartbreaking reality—losing their loved ones without any possibility of holding those responsible accountable. The emotional and psychological toll this takes on families is immense, compounded by the knowledge that their loss could have been prevented if a change in legislation were in place.

We cannot stand idly by while this unjust law continues to claim innocent lives. We must come together as a community to demand the repeal of the "Free Kill" law in Florida. Our elected officials must be urged to revoke this negligent legislation to protect our loved ones and ensure the medical community is held responsible for their actions.

By raising our voices and exercising our power as constituents, we can work towards establishing a legal framework that values and safeguards all lives equally. Let us prevent any other families from enduring the same tragic loss and frustration that we face. Please join me in signing this petition to repeal the "Free Kill" law and bring accountability back into our healthcare system.

Let's make this change!  I will not rest until we have justice for Jarius!  We need to protect our family members!  Florida is the only state with this type of statute, which is unconstitutional. Doctors must be held accountable for their actions and especially for their cover-ups.

Ways you can help:

1) Sign my petition.

2) Learn more about our family here, https://youtu.be/dQCg5HLcgCg?si=6GB5NvZKST1UoOmJ

3) End of Watch; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxI81813DAY&authuser=0