ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Supreme Court's decision not to block Texas' new abortion "heartbeat" bill is encouraging, said the leader of the Florida Senate, as state lawmakers explore whether they could bring a similar law to Florida.

The Texas law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks and before most women know they’re pregnant.

The law effectively bans most abortions in the state.

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, confirmed in a statement that the Republican majority would continue to explore bills that would restrict abortions further.

"The Texas law represents a new approach and the fact that the Supreme Court didn't block it from taking effect is encouraging," Simpson said in a statement to Spectrum News Thursday.

"As an adoptive child myself, it's important to me that we do everything we can to promote adoption and prevent abortion; therefore, I think it's worthwhile to take a look at the Texas law and see if there is more we can do here in Florida," he added.

Florida Republican lawmakers have long-sought more restrictive abortion measures. Last year the Florida House passed a bill that would stop doctors from performing abortions if a scan showed the fetus had a disability. It included criminal penalties for doctors. The bill did not make it through the Florida Senate.

Other bills to restrict abortions have made it through and been signed into law by governors.

Lake County State Rep. Anthony Sabatini announced Wednesday he would file a Texas-style heartbeat bill in the next legislative session.

Florida's next legislative session begins Jan. 11, 2022.