Free speech for health care providers.

HB 143, the "Free Speech for Health Care Providers Act," protects health care professionals (including doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and hospital staff) from state agency discrimination based on constitutionally protected speech related to patient care. It prohibits state agencies from taking adverse actions like license suspension, reprimands, or termination against providers for speech within their professional scope - unless the agency proves the speech directly caused harm to a patient within the past three years. The bill requires agencies to notify providers within 14 days of any complaint about speech-based actions and allows providers to sue for damages, attorney fees, or injunctions if their rights are violated. It takes effect July 1, 2026.