Bill Increases Eligibility for Victims of Wrongful Incarceration to Receive Compensation

The Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act has been in effect since 2008. The Act provides a process whereby an individual may petition the original sentencing court for an order finding the petitioner to have been wrongfully incarcerated and eligible for compensation from the state. SB 1114 (Pizzo) removes a prohibition on receiving compensation for wrongful incarceration for those with unrelated prior convictions and extends the deadline to establish one's status as wrongfully incarcerated and eligible for compensation from 90 days to 2 years. FCCB supports this measure that recognizes the human dignity of those who have been wrongfully incarcerated and the harm that has been caused to the individuals and their families. SB 1114 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously this week.