FL S0038

Directs the Pasco County School Board to appropriate and pay $675,000 to Marcus Button to compensate for injuries sustained from a September 22, 2006 school bus accident caused by employee negligence.

The school board has already paid the statutory limit of $200,000 under Florida law; this bill provides the remaining unpaid amount from a jury verdict that found the school board 65% responsible for the crash.

Marcus Button, a 16-year-old passenger, sustained facial and skull fractures, brain damage, vision loss in one eye, and other permanent injuries requiring lifelong 24-hour care estimated to cost $6-10 million.

Limits attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses to no more than 25 percent of the $675,000 award.

The combined statutory payment of $200,000 and this appropriation of $675,000 constitute the sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the accident.