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CS/CS/SB 80 — Relief of Christeia Jones/Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
by Appropriations Committee; Judiciary Committee; and Senator Baxley
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)
This bill resolves an uncontested claim for $17,715,000, based on a mediation settlement agreement between the claimant, Christeia Jones, as parent and natural guardian of Logan Grant, Denard Maybin, Jr., and Lanard Maybin, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The mediation settlement agreement resolved a civil action arising from the negligent operation of a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle which resulted in a crash and severe injuries to the children.
Under the bill, the sum of $7.5 million is appropriated from the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for the relief of Christeia Jones as compensation for injuries and damages sustained by her and her minor sons, Logan Grant, Denard Maybin, Jr., and Lanard Maybin. Further, the Chief Financial Officer is directed to draw a warrant in favor of Christeia Jones in the sum of $7.5 million, minus payments required to satisfy outstanding Medicaid liens relating to the medical expenses and care of her and her minor sons, Logan Grant, Denard Maybin, Jr., and Lanard Maybin, upon funds of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in the State Treasury and to pay the same out of such funds in the State Treasury.
The bill provides the amount paid by the Division of Risk Management of the Department of Financial Services pursuant to s. 768.28, F.S., and the amount awarded under the bill are intended to provide the sole compensation for all present and future claims arising out of the factual situation described in the bill which resulted in injuries and damages sustained by Christeia Jones and her minor sons, Logan Grant, Denard Maybin, Jr., and Lanard Maybin.
Of the amount awarded in the bill, the total amount paid for attorney fees may not exceed $1.5 million, the total amount paid for lobbying fees may not exceed $375,000, and the total amount paid for costs or other similar expenses may not exceed $34,849.92.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 35-2; House 116-1