The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration by removing the definition of "violent felony" and extending the timeframe for filing compensation petitions from 90 days to 2 years after a conviction is vacated. It allows individuals with previously dismissed petitions or those who have not filed to apply for compensation, while preventing heirs or successors of deceased individuals from filing on their behalf. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals wrongfully incarcerated are ineligible for compensation during any time they are concurrently serving a sentence for another felony. The bill also revises eligibility criteria by eliminating exclusions for those previously convicted of violent felonies and establishes a maximum compensation limit of $2 million.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for the purchase of annuities for claimants currently incarcerated, specifying that these individuals must be in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction, excluding those wrongfully convicted. The Chief Financial Officer will initiate payments after the term of incarceration ends. It also establishes a continuing appropriation from the General Revenue Fund to the Chief Financial Officer for approved payments starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with payments subject to specific appropriation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 59 Filed: 961.02, 961.03, 961.04, 961.06, 961.07
H 59 c1: 961.02, 961.03, 961.04, 961.06, 961.07