ORLANDO, Fla. – A new bill filed in the Florida Legislature on Friday would require newborn screenings for a rare liver disease.
House Bill 1335 would require newborns be screened for biliary atresia and that the state implement an education campaign related to the disease.
Last year, News 6 reported when the parents of 3-year-old Mattie Beacham, who was eventually diagnosed with biliary atresia, filed a lawsuit against a local pediatrician group.
In the lawsuit filed in September against Pediatrix Medical Group of Florida, which provides medical professionals to Winnie Palmer Hospital, where Mattie was born, the Beachams claim a doctor and an advanced practice registered nurse failed to respond to an abnormal blood test that showed elevated bilirubin levels.
The couple says the delay has led to a lifetime of complications for little Mattie, including having a liver transplant.
“This thing should have been flagged, and had it been flagged, we wouldn’t be speaking with you today,” said Allison Beacham, Mattie’s mom.
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“It’s a time-bomb disease,” said Michael Beacham, Mattie’s dad. “If you catch it at birth and you fix it before 30 days, there’s a 68% chance they won’t need a liver transplant, and if they do, it’ll be when they’re 10 or 11 or 12 years old.”
State House Rep. Rachel Plakon, R-Lake Mary, filed the bill. Plakon gave News 6 this statement:
“My family and I followed Mattie’s story in real time on Facebook. We were moved with compassion, and as a mother, it was especially powerful knowing that our daughter Gracie was born around the same time as Mattie.
“As a legislator, I believe we have a responsibility to act when early detection can change outcomes. Mattie’s Law is about screening newborns for biliary atresia so doctors can intervene sooner, reduce unnecessary suffering, and, in many cases, prevent the need for a liver transplant. This is about giving children the best possible start and giving families answers when they matter most.”
The Florida legislative session starts on Jan. 13, 2026.
While the Beachams are suing the pediatrician group, they’re also in arbitration with Orlando Health. We have previously reached out to both organizations and they replied saying they do not comment on pending litigation.
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