Florida Senate approves $1.25 million for wrongfully imprisoned Crotzer

[flashl]

Alan Crotzer spent 24 years in prison for crimes he didn't commit. On Thursday, the Florida Senate approved his claims bill, all but sealing $1.25 million compensation.

Crotzer sat in the Senate gallery with his wife and two stepchildren, wiping tears away as Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, told his story.

"The people of Florida showed that they can have integrity," said Crotzer, after the 33-5 vote. "They apologized in their own way and got it done."

...

Crotzer, who was released in 2006, was denied compensation last year by the Legislature. This year, with the backing of Crist who mentioned him in his State of the State address and leadership in both chambers, his claims bill sailed through session.

...

Still unclear is the fate of a separate bill to automatically compensate anyone who was wrongfully imprisoned. A House bill (HB 1025) has a clean-hands provision that would not make compensation automatic for anyone with a felony record. The Senate bill (SB 756) would preclude automatic payment to anyone convicted of committing a violent crime, but could still include non-violent felonies.

Florida Capital News

A special congratulations to Mr. Crotzer and to the activists who kept his story alive.

[bluestateguy]

1. I hope that is tax free money

and the IRS keeps their little mitts off of it.