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 compensation calculations to a maximum of $50,000 per year of wrongful incarceration and introduces a reimbursement requirement to the state if the claimant receives a civil judgment or settlement related to their wrongful incarceration.

Further changes include the specification that annuities can be purchased for individuals in correctional facilities due to felony convictions, excluding those wrongfully convicted. The bill modifies the continuing appropriation section to start in the 2025-2026 fiscal year instead of 2008-2009, ensuring sufficient funds are appropriated from the General Revenue Fund for approved payments. It also establishes that payments for certain petitions are subject to specific appropriation, with the act 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