The "Wrongful Conviction Compensation and Services Act" establishes a comprehensive framework for compensating and supporting individuals wrongfully convicted in New Mexico. Key definitions are provided, including terms like "conviction," "released person," and "petition," along with eligibility criteria for seeking relief. The Act mandates that petitions for compensation must be filed in district court within six years of receiving notice of the right to file, and it outlines the necessary standards of proof for granting such petitions. Upon approval, individuals are entitled to various forms of relief, including economic and noneconomic damages, reimbursement for wrongful conviction-related costs, and access to reintegration services.

The bill introduces new provisions, including a six-year deadline for filing petitions and a stipulation that the state cannot claim sovereign immunity against these petitions. It also establishes a "wrongful conviction compensation fund" within the state treasury, managed by the state department of justice, with an appropriation of $9 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. Additionally, if new evidence of innocence is discovered within two years of the petition deadline, individuals may file a petition within four years of obtaining that evidence. The Act emphasizes the importance of informing wrongfully convicted individuals of their rights and ensuring they have access to necessary resources for their reintegration into society, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.