FL H6511

Appropriates $5 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate former Broward County Sheriff's Deputy Maury Hernandez for permanent injuries sustained when shot in the head by probationer David Maldonado on August 6, 2007

Maldonado, on probation for felony traffic charges, twice admitted to probation officers in April-May 2007 that he illegally possessed a firearm, but officers failed to report these violations to the state attorney or court as required by the Department of Corrections' zero-tolerance policy

Deputy Hernandez suffered permanent brain injuries including hemiparesis to his left side, cognitive impairment, hydrocephalus requiring a shunt, and bullet fragments permanently lodged in his brain; he has been declared totally and permanently disabled

Total economic damages assessed at approximately $6.73 million, including $2.24 million in future medical/life care needs and $3.35 million in lost wages and earning capacity

Attorney fees capped at 25% of the award; state liens arising from Hernandez's treatment and care would be waived