Legislation aiming to update Florida’s rules for lawsuits against the government and increase payouts for plaintiffs has passed its first House hurdle with overwhelming support. The bill, HB 301, sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland, would revamp sovereign immunity statutes, raising liability caps to $1 million for one person and $3 million per incident. The bill also allows local governments to settle claims exceeding the caps without legislative approval. While some entities oppose the bill due to financial concerns, supporters argue it modernizes a broken system that currently limits compensation for victims of government negligence. The bill addresses a longstanding issue highlighted by the case of Marcus Button, a man who suffered life-altering injuries in a school bus crash in 2006 and has been unable to receive his settlement due to sovereign immunity laws. Several House members referenced Button’s case while discussing the need for reform. The bill will now go to the House Budget Committee for further consideration. Despite some opposition, supporters believe the bill is a step towards holding governments accountable and ensuring fair compensation for victims of negligence. The bill’s passage would mark a significant update to Florida’s sovereign immunity laws, which have not been revamped since 2010.
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