Relief/H.H./Department of Children and Families

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robbie Brackett

HB 6531 sought to pay $14,926,640 to H.H. for injuries after alleged DCF neglect during abuse investigations, authorizing a state settlement; bill died in Budget Committee.

Died in Budget Committee

#(claimsbills)

Purpose / Intent

HB 6531 is a claims bill that sought legislative relief for H.H., a minor, by addressing a contested claim arising from a jury verdict against the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill’s primary purpose was to provide payment/relief in connection with alleged negligence by DCF during child abuse investigations that preceded catastrophic injuries to the claimant.

Primary request

The claim at issue: $14,926,640 (claimed by H.H. for injuries and damages).

The bill would have provided legislative authorization to satisfy that contested claim or judgment against DCF/the state (typical outcomes of claims bills include an appropriation and release of further liability; the bill text itself is not reproduced in the provided materials).

Key factual background (from Special Master’s Final Report)

Claimant H.H. (born Nov. 2015) was reportedly a healthy toddler prior to the events giving rise to the claim.

H.H. and her older brother lived with their mother, Amber Dudney, and step‑father, Harold Hall, in Oak Hill, Florida.

Hall had an extensive criminal history and had been recently released from incarceration.

DCF received at least two separate abuse hotline reports (May 3, 2017 and June 2, 2017) alleging substance abuse, neglect, inadequate supervision and other concerns.

DCF conducted an initial home visit and one Child Present Danger Assessment (May 5, 2017 concluded “no present danger”).

The first DCF investigation was closed on July 2, 2017, after limited contact and without services or protective measures being instituted; a second investigation remained open but investigators made multiple unsuccessful attempts to make statutorily required home visits.

While an investigation was open and pending, H.H. arrived at the hospital with catastrophic, life‑threatening injuries allegedly caused by abuse and torture by her mother and step‑father.

Who would be affected

Claimant: H.H. (minor) — potential monetary relief and any attendant structured/guardian arrangements.

State/DCF: financial exposure and release from further claims if the bill provided an appropriation and settlement.

Taxpayers: potential fiscal impact to the state budget (the bill did not become law).

DCF policies and oversight: the Special Master’s report documents investigative shortcomings that could inform administrative or statutory changes, though the bill itself addressed monetary relief rather than policy reform.

Legislative/Procedural history

Filed: 2025-01-24.

Referred to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, and Budget Committee.

2025-03-20: Favorable with CS by Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee; CS filed.

2025-03-21: Referred to Judiciary and then to Budget Committee.

2025-05-03: Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration.

2025-06-16: Officially recorded as Died in Budget Committee.

Note: The Special Master’s Final Report accompanying the bill summarizes investigative findings and factual background used to evaluate the contested claim. The bill did not advance to enactment.

Bill