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FL S0016
CL
Status
Failed
3/8/2024
Primary Sponsor
Alexis Calatayud
Click for details
AI Summary
- Appropriates $296,400 from the General Revenue Fund through the Department of Children and Families to compensate Michael Barnett and his child R.B. for injuries and damages resulting from the department's negligence
- In September 2010, Patrick Dell fatally shot his estranged wife Natasha Whyte-Dell and four of her children and severely wounded a fifth child (R.B.) by shooting him in the neck before committing suicide
- The Department of Children and Families had investigated a January 2010 hotline report about Dell threatening Whyte-Dell with a knife but closed the case in February 2010, concluding the children were not at significant risk, despite Riviera Beach police having responded to the home 34 times in the prior 4 years, including 11 domestic violence calls
- The department's own regional director acknowledged the investigation was "subpar," and the assigned child protective investigator failed to follow policies and procedures while himself facing pending domestic violence charges, creating an inherent conflict of interest
- Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the total award, and the combined sovereign immunity payment ($160,000 settlement) and this appropriation represent the sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the incident
Legislative Description
Relief of Michael Barnett/Department of Children and Families
Last Action
Died in Special Master on Claim Bills
3/8/2024
Full Bill Text
No bill text available