Rick Scott Signs Newborn Task Force, Synthetic Drug Ban Bills

Gov. Rick Scott held a ceremonial signing for a pair of bills championed by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

House Bill 227 outlaws more than 90 new forms of synthetic drugs and House Bill 1175 creates a 10-member statewide task force -- with Bondi as chairwoman -- that would examine the emerging problem of neonatal withdrawal syndrome as it pertains to prescription drugs.

The creation of this task force makes Florida the prototype for the nation on how to address the emerging crisis of newborns being addicted to prescription drugs, Bondi stated in a release. We must do everything within our power to protect the smallest victims of prescription drug abuse.

As for the expansion of the states ban on new synthetic drug compounds that are marketed to teens as incense, bath salts and other products, Bondi stated, Synthetic drugs can be deadly and pose a serious threat to our communities, and this new law will enable law enforcement to better protect Floridians."