Downloads
CS/SB 10 — Relief of Sidney Holmes by the State of Florida
by Judiciary Committee and Senator Pizzo
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Special Master on Claim Bills Committee (SM)
Sidney Holmes was 22 years old when he was wrongfully arrested. He was alleged to have participated in an armed robbery in Broward County. Based on the now-discounted eyewitness testimony of one person, and despite the testimony of numerous alibi witnesses, he was wrongfully convicted of the charge and sentenced to 400 years in state prison. It took longer than 34 years for him to prove his innocence and be released from prison. Because he had a prior criminal record, he was ineligible for compensation under the statutory process for compensation for wrongful incarceration. This claim bill authorizes the payment of the statutory annual compensation of just over $1.7 million plus the waiver of tuition and fees of up to 120 credit hours at any state college or university. His attorneys and representatives graciously waived all professional fees.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor?s signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 112-0