HB 1455 Summary

• Directs the Division of Administrative Hearings to appoint an administrative law judge to determine compensation for Brian Pitts for alleged wrongful acts by the State of Florida, State Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office related to his practice of law as a nonlawyer from 2001-2010.

• Authorizes compensation between $1 million and $7 million to be paid proportionately by the responsible parties in lump sum or over up to 10 years, with attorney's fees and costs capped at 25 percent of the award.

• Declares null and void all final orders, judgments, convictions, and liens in specified court cases (SC06-1279, SC02-247, and related circuit court cases) involving Pitts and directs removal of criminal records from public access.

• Authorizes Pitts to practice law as a lay counselor or lay representative under specific Florida Statutes, court rules, and designations, and permits his legislative testimony without constituting unauthorized practice of law.

• Directs the Department of Law Enforcement to investigate alleged violations of state and federal law by Florida Supreme Court justices, appellate and circuit judges, state attorneys, The Florida Bar, and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, with charges to be brought before a Leon County grand jury within 1 year.