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HB 6513

Relief/Max Giannikos/City of Clearwater

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Berfield

Authorizes payment of $2.25 million from the General Revenue Fund to settle Kristen and Lia McIntosh injuries from a DACS patrol-car crash, resolving their uncontested claim.

Died in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 6513

HB 6513 — Relief for Kristen and Lia McIntosh / Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Purpose

HB 6513 is a claims (relief) bill that would authorize the State of Florida to satisfy an agreed settlement of $2.25 million to Kristen and Lia McIntosh for injuries they sustained in a February 12, 2022 motor-vehicle collision involving a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) patrol car. The claim is uncontested and is fully supported by DACS.

Background and facts

  • On February 12, 2022, a DACS officer (James McWhorter) drove his patrol car across all six lanes of I‑95 (Nassau County), entering the path of a southbound Ford F‑150 driven by Ronald Thornton. The collision was T‑bone in nature; the DACS officer died at the scene.
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) concluded the DACS officer was solely responsible, citing careless driving and a violation of the Florida seat belt law (see s. 316.1925(1) and s. 316.614(4)(b), F.S.). Neither driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • All four occupants of the Thornton vehicle were injured. This claim concerns injuries to two passengers: Kristen (17 at the time) and Lia (13 at the time) McIntosh.

Injuries and damages (summarized)

  • Lia McIntosh: concussion, nondisplaced suprasternal notch fracture, compression fracture at L1–L2 with contusion/edema, collapsed lung, serosal tear and partial thickness mesenteric tear; five days inpatient, laparoscopic abdominal surgery, thoracic brace for four months, ongoing pain, likely future back surgery, transitioned to virtual schooling.
  • Kristen McIntosh: concussion, cervical ligamentous sprain, duodenal injury with IVC collapse, unstable compression/burst fractures at L1–L2, dislocation of left T12–L1 facet, required spinal fusion with hardware; five days inpatient, ongoing chronic pain, mental-health impacts, hospital/home-bound schooling initially.

Settlement and legal posture

  • Parties mediated and reached a settlement for $2,250,000 on January 29, 2024; a final judgment memorializing that agreement was entered May 7, 2024.
  • DACS agrees with the facts and supports legislative satisfaction of the settlement from the General Revenue Fund.
  • The Special Master’s report finds negligence by the DACS officer and recommends payment.

Fiscal and practical impact

  • If enacted, HB 6513 would direct state payment of $2.25 million to satisfy the negotiated settlement, affecting the General Revenue Fund.
  • The bill resolves the claim against DACS related to Kristen’s and Lia’s injuries; other injured parties (the Thorntons) are not part of this claim.

Procedural history / current status (selected)

  • Introduced: Jan 24, 2025 (Rep. Berfield, primary sponsor)
  • Referred to Judiciary, Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee, Budget Committee
  • Reported Favorable by Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (Mar 27, 2025)
  • Favorable with CS by Budget Committee; CS filed Apr 22, 2025
  • Laid on Table Apr 30, 2025 — companion bill CS/SB 26 enacted as Ch. 2025‑216

This summary is based on the Special Master’s final committee report accompanying HB 6513.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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