Relief/L.E./Department of Children and Families

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chase Tramont

Would authorize a $3.8 million state payment to the minor L.E. to settle a DCF negligence claim from a child-abuse case.

Died in Appropriations

#(claimsbills)

Purpose

HB 6535 is a claims bill that sought legislative approval to provide relief to L.E., a minor, in the amount of $3,800,000 based on a settlement agreement with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The claim arises from an alleged negligence by DCF in a child-abuse case in which L.E. sustained severe injuries.

Key provisions

Authorize payment of $3.8 million to L.E. (through a settlement of an uncontested claim) arising from injuries and damages sustained while in the care/oversight environment implicating DCF.

Implement the Special Master’s (committee) recommendation accepting the uncontested claim and recommending payment pursuant to the settlement agreement.

(Implied) extinguish further state liability to the extent set out in the settlement (typical of claims-bill settlements; the bill text/report indicates a settlement but the full release terms are not reproduced in the committee report excerpt).

Background and findings of fact (condensed)

Claimant: L.E., born July 29, 2019. Mother: Stephanie Hylard; Father: Dexter Williams, Sr.

At birth both mother and infant tested positive for amphetamines; mother had prior substance and psychiatric history and a significant DCF history (multiple hotline reports and verified findings).

On September 25, 2019, L.E. was hospitalized with critical injuries including skull fracture, subdural hematoma with cortical edema/encephalomalacia, multiple healing and acute rib fractures, pelvic and long-bone fractures, bruising consistent with finger marks, seizures, feeding problems, and failure to thrive. Physicians diagnosed Child Abuse Syndrome and notified law enforcement and DCF.

DCF had prior contacts and verified findings involving both parents; initial DCF investigation and a present-danger safety plan were put in place at the hospital in July 2019.

The Special Master’s Final Report characterized the claim as uncontested and recommended approval of the settlement.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiary: L.E. (the minor claimant).

Defendant/Respondent: Florida Department of Children and Families (financial and reputational implications).

Fiscal impact: a one-time state payment of $3.8 million (would require appropriation or other state funding authorization).

Potential indirect effects: precedent for future claims-bill settlements involving DCF.

Legislative history / timeline (selected)

2025-01-24: Introduced; referred to Planning and Development.

March–April 2025: Referred to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee, Judiciary, Budget Committee; committee substitutes filed; reported favorably.

2025-04-25: House passed Committee Substitute unanimously (CS passed 107–0).

2025-05-03: Indefinitely postponed/withdrawn from consideration (notation in record).

2025-06-16: Final status recorded as Died in Appropriations.

This summary is based on the Special Master’s Final Report and committee records included with the bill file; the full bill text and settlement agreement would contain the precise legal and release language.

Bill