SPONSOR: Collins
This bill allows a person in the custody of the Department of Corrections to raise a freestanding claim of actual innocence in any post-conviction proceeding, challenging the validity of the court's findings in the original criminal case. The court has the authority to review, decide, and issue an order on the claim if there is clear and convincing evidence supporting the claim. The court must consider evidence as provided in the bill, including evidence not presented at the original trial or during a plea, post-conviction hearing, or direct appeal. If the court determines the burden of proof has been met, the court must vacate or set aside the judgment.
This bill is similar to HB 2202 (2024) and HB 360 (2023).
Statutes affected: