FL H6503

Appropriates $1.9 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Barney Brown for 38 years of wrongful incarceration after his 1970 rape and robbery conviction was vacated in September 2008 due to significant doubt about his guilt.

Directs the Chief Financial Officer to issue a warrant payable to Barney Brown from the Department of Financial Services for the full $1.9 million amount.

Establishes this $1.9 million award as the sole compensation for all present and future claims related to Brown's arrest, conviction, and incarceration, prohibiting any additional awards for attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, or similar expenses.

Preserves the state's sovereign immunity defense and does not increase liability limits under Florida Statutes § 768.28 or other applicable law.

Takes effect upon becoming law.