The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes regarding compensation for individuals wrongfully convicted by allowing claimants to bring actions against the state under specific conditions, such as being pardoned based on innocence or having their conviction reversed. The bill introduces detailed procedures for filing claims, including requirements for serving the Attorney General and establishing the burden of proof for claimants. It also mandates that courts award compensation of 200% of the median household income in Arizona for each year of wrongful incarceration, along with reasonable attorney fees, addressing the lack of a clear compensation mechanism in current law.

Additionally, the bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the expungement of records related to erroneous convictions, requiring the sealing of all associated records and ensuring that only the claimant or their attorney has access. It mandates that the Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry seal and separate expunged records, prohibiting public access to this information. The legislation further stipulates that arresting and prosecuting agencies must clearly indicate in their records that the claimant was wrongfully convicted, allowing individuals to assert that they have no record of the expunged offenses. Overall, these updates aim to provide a more supportive legal framework for those affected by wrongful convictions, facilitating their reintegration into society.