FL H6509

On June 26, 2019, Donald Gerard Burthe, a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employee, crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 90 and caused a head-on collision with Donna Catalano's vehicle, resulting in multiple fractures, six surgeries, and permanent injuries including chronic pain and loss of nursing career ability.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Ms. Catalano reached a settlement agreement on July 15, 2021, for $3,375,000, of which only $200,000 was paid by the Division of Risk Management due to statutory liability limits.

Appropriates $3,175,000 from the General Inspection Trust Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to pay Ms. Catalano the remainder of her settlement agreement.

Caps attorney fees at $635,000, lobbying fees at $158,750, and costs or other expenses at $29,059.94, with the total payments constituting sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from this incident.

Effective upon becoming law.