FL S0062

Authorizes Florida A&M University to appropriate funds and pay compensation to Robert Champion, Sr., and Pam Champion for the wrongful death of their son, Robert Champion, Jr., a 26-year-old drum major who died in November 2011.

Robert Champion, Jr., died from hemorrhagic shock caused by blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing ritual called the "cross-over" on a university-chartered bus after performing at the Florida Classic football game.

Compensation payment settles all present and future claims related to Robert Champion, Jr.'s wrongful death and is based on findings that FAMU failed to implement adequate anti-hazing policies despite knowing of an entrenched hazing culture at the university.

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and other similar expenses related to this claim are capped at 25 percent of the awarded amount.

The act takes effect July 1, 2014.