The "Wrongful Conviction Compensation and Services Act" establishes a comprehensive framework in New Mexico for compensating and supporting individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The bill defines key terms related to wrongful convictions and allows individuals to file a petition for relief in district court, which must be addressed within 180 days. To qualify for relief, petitioners must prove their innocence and demonstrate that they did not commit the crime for which they were convicted. If successful, they are entitled to various forms of compensation, including economic and noneconomic damages, attorney fees, and reimbursement for costs incurred due to their wrongful conviction. The act also mandates support services such as health insurance and housing assistance for two years post-release.

Additionally, the bill introduces a six-year deadline for filing petitions after individuals are notified of their rights, and it allows for a four-year extension if new evidence of innocence is discovered within two years of the petition deadline. It removes the state's sovereign immunity as a defense against these petitions and establishes a "wrongful conviction compensation fund" within the state treasury, managed by the state department of justice, with an initial appropriation of $9 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026. The act is designed to take effect on July 1, 2025, and emphasizes a liberal interpretation to achieve its goals.