FL S0064

Authorizes Pasco County School Board to pay Marcus Button $1,246,215.29 as compensation for injuries sustained in a September 22, 2006 school bus accident caused by negligence of a school bus driver.

Authorizes Pasco County School Board to pay Mark and Robin Button (Marcus's parents) $261,148.95 as compensation for injuries and damages sustained by their son from the same accident.

On September 22, 2006, a school bus driven by John E. Kinne pulled in front of a car carrying Marcus Button, causing the car to slide underneath the bus; Marcus sustained facial and skull fractures, brain damage, vision loss, and requires 24-hour care for life.

A jury found the Pasco County School Board 65 percent responsible for the accident; the board previously paid only $163,000 under the statutory $200,000 liability limit, leaving unpaid judgments of $1,380,967.39 for Marcus and $289,396.85 for his parents.

Limits attorney fees, lobbying fees, and related costs to no more than 25 percent of the total amount awarded under this act.