The bill proposes an appropriation of $1.75 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for the relief of the Estate of Danielle Maudsley, who died as a result of alleged negligence by Trooper Daniel Cole and the Florida Highway Patrol. The bill outlines the circumstances surrounding Ms. Maudsley's death, including her arrest and the actions taken by Trooper Cole that led to her severe injuries and eventual death. A previous settlement agreement had already compensated the estate with $200,000, but the estate is seeking the remaining balance of $1.75 million.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions that the total amount paid by the Division of Risk Management and the amount awarded under this act will serve as the sole compensation for all claims related to Ms. Maudsley's death. It also stipulates that attorney fees related to this claim may not exceed 25 percent of the awarded amount. The bill declares the facts stated in the preamble to be true and directs the Chief Financial Officer to issue a warrant for the payment to the estate, minus any Medicaid liens. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.