Relief/Kristen and Lia Mcintosh/Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The bill proposes an appropriation of $2.252 million from the General Revenue Fund to cover the damages awarded to Kristen and Lia McIntosh as a result of the collision. Specifically, it allocates $1.001 million for Kristen and $1.251 million for Lia, with payments made contingent upon the passage of this claim bill. This act also reflects a settlement agreement acknowledging the injuries sustained by the McIntosh family significantly exceeded the statutory limits for compensation in Florida, which is set at $200,000 per individual and $300,000 per incident.
House Bill 6513 is a legislative measure aimed at providing financial relief to Kristen and Lia McIntosh following severe injuries they sustained in a traffic accident caused by Officer James Michael McWhorter, a state employee of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. On February 12, 2022, Officer McWhorter was driving a state-owned vehicle when he crossed Interstate 95 without regard for oncoming traffic, resulting in a violent collision with the McIntosh family's vehicle. The bill seeks to compensate the two individuals for their injuries, which include traumatic brain injuries and multiple fractures.
During deliberations, concerns were raised over the implications of this claim bill, particularly in relation to the existing legal frameworks governing state employee liability and compensation limits. The bill's passage may set a precedent for how claims against state employees are handled, especially in cases of negligence involving law enforcement officers. Ongoing discussions include the appropriateness of the compensation amounts in light of the serious injuries sustained and whether the state should be liable for actions taken by its employees while on duty.