FL S0708

University of South Florida retains custody of historical records, artifacts, and human remains from the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys for archival preservation and identification purposes until released to next of kin or the Department of State.

Department of State shall contract with University of South Florida to identify and locate next of kin of deceased children and notify them within 15 business days of payment and reimbursement provisions.

Department of State shall reimburse next of kin or pay providers up to $7,500 per child for funeral, reinterment, and grave marker expenses; charitable donations are not eligible for reimbursement.

Establishes a nine-member Dozier Task Force to recommend a memorial and reinterment site for unidentified or unclaimed remains, with recommendations due to state leadership by October 1, 2016; task force repeals December 31, 2016.

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of State for 2016-2017 fiscal year to implement the act, with unexpended funds reappropriated for 2017-2018.