This bill amends the existing law regarding compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment in Louisiana. It establishes a new compensation structure for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted, increasing the annual compensation rate from $25,000 to $40,000 per year of incarceration, with a maximum total compensation cap raised from $250,000 to $600,000. The bill specifies that for claims filed after July 1, 2022, through July 31 of the year the Act becomes effective, the compensation will be calculated at the higher rate of $40,000 annually, and it also allows petitioners the option to receive a lump sum payment of $250,000 instead of annual payments.

Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for filing supplemental compensation petitions. It allows individuals who were awarded compensation between September 1, 2005, and August 1 of the year the Act becomes effective to file for supplemental compensation based on the new rates, provided they do so by August 1 of the following year. The previous deadline of July 1, 2023, has been removed, and the new provisions will take effect once the Louisiana Legislature appropriates the necessary funds for implementation.

Statutes affected:
SB125 Original: 15:8(H)(2)
SB125 Engrossed: 15:8(H)(2)
SB125 Reengrossed: 15:8(H)(2)
SB125 Enrolled: 15:8(H)(2)