FL S0194

Appropriates $3 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate James Joseph Richardson for wrongful conviction and imprisonment for the 1967 deaths of seven children in Arcadia, Florida.

Acknowledges that Richardson was convicted of first-degree murder in 1968 but was exonerated in 1989 after State Attorney Janet Reno filed a Memorandum of Nolle Prosequi concluding the investigation was inadequate and Richardson was probably wrongfully accused.

Directs the Chief Financial Officer to issue a warrant to Richardson for $3 million from Department of Corrections funds in the State Treasury.

Recognizes Richardson's damages from physical and mental restraint, deprivation of freedom, and time spent on death row, including approximately 21.5 years in prison following his wrongful conviction.

Expresses the Legislature's apology to Richardson on behalf of the state for his wrongful imprisonment.