The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning the compensation of 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 whose petitions were previously dismissed or who had not filed petitions to seek compensation, while also stipulating that those wrongfully incarcerated are ineligible for compensation during any time they are serving a sentence for another felony conviction. The bill eliminates previous exclusions for individuals convicted of violent felonies and revises the compensation process, including the Chief Financial Officer's authority regarding annuity purchases and the requirement for compensation to be subject to specific appropriations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a financial framework for the payment of approved claims, appropriating funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Chief Financial Officer for these payments. It introduces a new provision that specifies payments for certain petitions are subject to specific appropriation, ensuring budget accountability. The bill also removes references to the act itself in the context of appropriations, streamlining the language to focus on the relevant sections of law. The effective date for the act is set for July 1, 2025, marking when the new provisions will take effect.

Statutes affected:
S 130 Filed: 961.02, 961.03, 961.04, 961.06, 961.07
S 130 er: 961.02, 961.03, 961.04, 961.06, 961.07