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FL H6535
CL
Status
Failed
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
House Budget Committee
Click for details
AI Summary
- Appropriates $3.8 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Children and Families to compensate L.E. for injuries sustained due to the department's negligence, as part of a total $4 million negotiated settlement (the department previously paid $200,000 under sovereign immunity limits)
- L.E., born July 29, 2019, tested positive for amphetamines at birth and was placed with her parents by the department despite a "present danger" determination, at least 20 prior child abuse hotline reports involving the parents, and prior removals of their other children for verified abuse
- The department closed its investigation on September 24, 2019, while acknowledging the home remained "volatile and unstable"; the next day, L.E. was hospitalized with catastrophic injuries including a skull fracture, multiple rib fractures, subdural hematoma, and was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome causing traumatic brain injury, seizures, and cerebral palsy
- Payment is directed to an irrevocable trust created for L.E.'s exclusive benefit, and attorney fees are capped at 25% of the total amount awarded under the act
- The settlement and appropriation represent the only compensation for all present and future claims against the department; L.E.'s civil claims against the subcontracted child welfare agency remain pending
Legislative Description
Relief/L.E./Department of Children and Families
Last Action
Died in Appropriations
6/16/2025
Committee Referrals
Budget Committee3/28/2025
Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee3/2/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available