House Bill No. introduced by K. Seekins-Crowe aims to provide compensation for individuals wrongfully convicted of felony crimes and subsequently exonerated. The bill establishes a clear procedure for filing and determining petitions for compensation, defining key terms such as "claimant" and "imprisonment." It requires claimants to present reliable evidence of their innocence and to waive any other remedies related to their wrongful conviction. The legislation also provides a transition assistance grant of $5,000 while claims are pending, outlines the expungement of wrongful convictions, and sets damages at $80,000 for each year of imprisonment, along with additional benefits like tuition assistance and medical insurance.

Additionally, the bill addresses the financial responsibilities of counties or consolidated governments, which will be liable for 75% of awarded damages and costs, and establishes a state special revenue account known as the exoneree compensation fund to facilitate these payments. It also amends existing law regarding rental vouchers to support claimants during their transition. New provisions related to recovery residences or programs are introduced, requiring them to report their practices as specified in existing laws. The bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be effective, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(1): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(2): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(3): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(4): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(5): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(6): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1(7): 46-23-1041
HB0093_1: 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(1): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(10): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(11): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(12): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(13): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(14): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(15): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(16): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(2): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(3): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(4): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(5): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(6): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(7): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(8): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2(9): 46-23-1041
HB0093_2: 46-23-1041
HB0093_3(1): 46-23-1041
HB0093_3(2): 46-23-1041
HB0093_3(3): 46-23-1041
HB0093_3(4): 46-23-1041
HB0093_3: 46-23-1041