The Legislature is again looking at how best to regulate Florida's assisted living facilities.
Last year the House and Senate couldn't agree on bills to improve oversight of the ALFs, an issue spurred by a Miami Herald series on abuse and neglect in the industry.
The Senate Tuesday heard from stakeholders in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs committee.
Jack McCray of Florida AARP said a robust industry is needed to care for Florida's seniors, but it must be well regulated.
"ALFs that engage in abuse, exploitation, neglect and intentional harm of residents simply should not be in business", McCray said.
Representative Mike Fasano, a New Port Richey Republican, has filed an ALF reform bill in the House. Among its provisions, the bill requires ALFs with a history of violations to pay higher licensing fees.