Committee backs $2.3M local claims bill for man injured after St. Petersburg arrest

The Florida Senate Judiciary Committee voted to report Senate Bill 16 favorably after sponsor remarks and testimony from counsel for the claimant.

Sen. Russin, sponsor of SB 16, described the bill as an uncontested local claims bill asking for $2,300,000 on behalf of Eroberto Sanchez Mayan arising from an incident on June 8, 2023, in a daytime-only park in St. Petersburg. According to the sponsor’s account, a police officer found Mr. Sanchez Mayan asleep, arrested him for misdemeanor trespass, placed him in restraints and transported him in the back of a van; the occupant was reportedly rendered unconscious during transport and later sustained catastrophic injuries.

Dan Feherty, counsel for the claimant, told the committee the injuries left Mr. Sanchez Mayan an incomplete quadriplegic and requiring double above-the-knee amputations. "He is very grateful for not only the senator's sponsorship of this bill but your consideration," Feherty said, adding the claimant is unable to attend committee due to his condition.

President Gaetz used the debate period to criticize the broader claims-bill process and said he would register a symbolic 'no' vote to signal opposition to how the Senate handles claims bills, while acknowledging the victim merits recompense.

The committee called the roll and reported SB 16 favorably by a roll-call vote of 9 yeas and 1 nay.