Committee backs claims bill to authorize $2.5 million payment to Heriberto Sanchez Mayan

The Florida House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday reported HB6517 favorably, a claims bill that would allow the City of Saint Petersburg to pay Heriberto Sanchez Mayan for injuries he sustained during a June 2023 police encounter. Rep. Burfield, sponsor of the uncontested local bill, described the encounter as captured on video and said it resulted in catastrophic injuries including a fractured neck and double above‑the‑knee amputations.

The sponsor told the committee that an officer found Sanchez Mayan asleep in a day park, arrested him for trespassing and placed him in restraints. According to the sponsor’s description, Sanchez Mayan was secured on a bench in a transport van, was thrown forward when the van stopped short, struck the interior bulkhead, and was later removed from the van in a way that caused his head to strike the rear door, bumper and then the cement floor. The sponsor said the city ultimately agreed to a $2,500,000 settlement and asked the committee to give the city authority to make that payment.

Ranking Member Jim Gottlieb said many members want to reform the claims bill process and questioned whether payments made through claims bills short‑change victims, noting Sanchez Mayan had accepted the $2.5 million settlement rather than pursue potentially larger damages. Gottlieb recounted elements of the police handling described in the sponsor’s presentation and said the case illustrates concerns about the current claims bill system.

No amendments were offered and public testimony was limited to supporters in the gallery waving in support. After sponsor closing, the clerk called the roll and the committee reported HB6517 favorably (vote announced as 20 yeas, 0 nays).

The committee’s favorable report sends the bill to the next stage of consideration; no floor action or final payment is included in the committee record.