HB 6507 Summary

• Appropriates $1,197,650.69 from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Scotty Bartek for wrongful incarceration after serving 22 years and 242 days for sexual battery convictions that were vacated on November 26, 2013.

• Bartek was convicted in 1991 on two counts of sexual battery upon a child under 12 years of age with two life sentences; the victim later recanted and stated her mother coached her to fabricate testimony.

• The compensation amount includes $1,133,150.69 for wrongful incarceration at $50,000 per year, $24,000 for educational waiver/tuition, $500 for court costs and fines, and $40,000 for attorney fees.

• Limits total attorney fees paid to no more than 25 percent of the award amount ($1,197,650.69), with this payment serving as sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the wrongful incarceration.

• Takes effect upon becoming law.