This bill provides financial relief to Kristen and Lia McIntosh, who sustained severe injuries due to the negligence of a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employee, Officer James Michael McWhorter. The bill appropriates a total of $2.252 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate the McIntosh family for their injuries and damages. Specifically, it allocates $1.001 million to Kristen McIntosh and $1.251 million to Elizabeth Thornton, as the parent and guardian of Lia McIntosh, with the latter amount to be placed in a trust for Lia's benefit. The bill also includes a provision that the total amount paid for attorney fees related to this claim cannot exceed 25 percent of the total awarded amount.
Additionally, the bill acknowledges the facts surrounding the incident, including the circumstances of the collision that resulted in the injuries. It establishes that the compensation provided through this act, along with the previously agreed settlement amount, is intended to be the sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the incident. The bill is fully supported by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and is contingent upon its passage to ensure the payment of the consent judgment entered by the circuit court.