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FL S0026
CL
AI Summary
- Appropriates $1.6 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Thomas Raynard James for 32 years and 52 days of wrongful incarceration following his 1991 conviction for first-degree murder, armed robbery, armed burglary, and aggravated assault
- Mr. James was mistakenly identified because he shared the same name as the actual suspect, "Thomas James" or "Tommy James," leading to his inclusion in a photo lineup and wrongful conviction; the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office Justice Project later determined he was innocent of all charges
- Upon receiving payment, Mr. James is prohibited from submitting an application for additional compensation under Florida's wrongful incarceration statute (Chapter 961, Florida Statutes)
- If Mr. James later wins a civil judgment or settlement related to his wrongful incarceration, he must reimburse the state for the $1.6 million (minus attorney fees and litigation costs), and the Department of Legal Affairs must file a lien on any such judgment or settlement
- The Legislature does not waive sovereign immunity or increase the state's limits of liability through this act, and formally apologizes to Mr. James on behalf of the state
Legislative Description
Relief of Thomas Raynard James by the State of Florida
Last Action
Died in Special Master on Claim Bills
5/5/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available