Pays $14.9 Million to Child Harmed by State
Florida · S0040 · Introduced Aug 7, 2026
Why it matters
H.H. has permanent brain damage and needs lifelong care. The payment would cover the jury award above state sovereign immunity limits plus court costs and interest.
What it does
- Appropriates $14,926,639.56 from state general revenue to the Department of Children and Families for H.H.
- Sends the money to an irrevocable trust for H.H.'s exclusive use and benefit
- Waives government liens, including Medicaid liens, from H.H.'s care and treatment
- Makes H.H. responsible for attorney fees and other claim costs, subject to the act's limits
Introduced
Next: committee review
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Housenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would pay $14,926,639.56 from state funds to H.H., a child harmed by state negligence, into a trust for her benefit. Would also waive government liens on her care.
Relief of H.H. by the Department of Children and Families
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Child welfare advocates would likely say the state failed H.H. and should pay the award. They would stress the lifelong medical needs.
💬 The case against
Some budget watchdogs would likely say the payment is large and comes from public funds. They may also argue the state should not pay costs beyond its legal limits.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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