This bill provides financial relief to Sidney Holmes, who was wrongfully incarcerated for 34 years for a crime he did not commit. It appropriates $1.722 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Mr. Holmes for his wrongful conviction and directs the Chief Financial Officer to issue a warrant for this amount payable directly to him. Additionally, the bill waives tuition and fees for Mr. Holmes for up to 120 hours of instruction at designated educational institutions, provided he meets the necessary admission and academic requirements.

The legislation also includes provisions that maintain the state's sovereign immunity, ensuring that the compensation does not waive any defenses or increase liability limits. It explicitly prohibits the use of awarded funds for attorney or lobbying fees and restricts Mr. Holmes from applying for further compensation under existing statutes after receiving payment. Furthermore, if future judicial findings indicate Mr. Holmes' involvement in the crime, any unused benefits from this act would be rendered void. The bill acknowledges the tragic consequences of the wrongful conviction and expresses an apology from the Legislature on behalf of the state.