HB 6529 Summary

• Division of Administrative Hearings shall appoint an administrative law judge or special master to determine if Brian Pitts is entitled to equitable relief for wrongful acts or omissions by the State of Florida, State Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office related to his lay practice of law and incarcerations from 2001-2012.

• If wrongful acts are found, Pitts shall be awarded between $1 million and $7 million, paid proportionately by the responsible parties over a lump sum or up to 10 years, with attorney fees capped at 25 percent of the award.

• Declares specified court orders and judgments in cases involving Pitts null and void and directs removal of related court records and criminal records from public access.

• Authorizes Pitts to practice law as a lay counselor or representative under specific Florida statutes and court rules including qualified representative, designated representative, and small claims representation provisions.

• Directs the Department of Law Enforcement to investigate alleged criminal violations by Florida Supreme Court justices, judges, state attorneys, The Florida Bar, and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, with charges to be brought before a Leon County grand jury within one year.