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HB 6517 — Relief of Heriberto A. Sanchez-Mayen by the City of St. Petersburg
by Rep. Berfield and others (SB 16 by Senator Rouson)
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)
HB 6517 provides for the relief of Heriberto Sanchez-Mayen (Sanchez-Mayen) by authorizing and directing a payment of $2.3 million from the City of St. Petersburg (City) to satisfy the unpaid balance of a $2.5 million settlement agreement reached between Sanchez-Mayen and the City. As part of this agreement, Sanchez-Mayen also agreed to withdraw claims against St. Petersburg police officers Michael Thacker and Sarah Gaddis, in their individual capacities. The settlement resolved a civil action arising from injuries sustained by Sanchez-Mayen while in police custody, which included significant, debilitating, spinal injuries and resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. The City previously paid $200,000 toward the settlement.
The proceeds are intended to be placed in a special needs trust to help preserve certain public benefits while providing for Sanchez-Mayen’s ongoing needs. The funds are also expected to be used to resolve Medicare liens of $96,792.72 and $175,734.11, along with an associated penalty of $4,285.00, related to Sanchez-Mayen’s prior medical care. The City did not admit liability but agreed not to oppose the filing of a claim bill to recover the remaining settlement amount.
The total amount paid for attorney fees relating to this claim may not exceed 25 percent of the total amounts awarded under this bill.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 107-0