FL H3541

Appropriates $1,092,040 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Transportation for relief of Amie Draiemann Stephenson (as personal representative of Christian Darby Stephenson's estate) and surviving minor children Hailey Morgan Stephenson and Christian Darby Stephenson II

Compensates the beneficiaries for the wrongful death of Christian Darby Stephenson, who died on August 12, 2000, when his gasoline tanker jackknifed and exploded on the Hart Bridge Expressway after swerving to avoid hydroplaning vehicles caused by a clogged drain maintained by the Department of Transportation

A jury verdict on March 22, 2005 found the Department of Transportation 36 percent negligent and awarded total damages of $3,589,000; this appropriation represents 36 percent of damages minus the $200,000 already paid by the state under Florida Statutes section 768.28

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

Takes effect upon becoming law