This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new article that establishes a legal framework for individuals who have been erroneously convicted of felonies to seek compensation from the state. Under the new provisions, claimants can bring actions in superior court if they have been pardoned based on innocence, had their convictions reversed or vacated, or entered a plea of no contest while maintaining innocence. The bill outlines specific procedures for filing claims, including timelines, the burden of proof on the attorney general, and the process for evidentiary hearings if objections arise. It also stipulates the types of compensation available, including monetary awards based on years of incarceration and reimbursement for mental health treatment and educational services.

Additionally, the bill mandates the expungement of records related to erroneous convictions, ensuring that claimants are treated as if they were never arrested or convicted for the expunged offenses. It requires the court to issue expungement orders that restore civil rights and directs relevant state agencies to seal and destroy associated records. The legislation emphasizes the unique challenges faced by wrongfully convicted individuals and aims to provide them with a clear avenue for redress, including mental health services for victims of crime. Overall, the bill seeks to address the injustices faced by those wrongfully convicted and facilitate their reintegration into society.