Senate Bill 477 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 9-8-108, to expand the eligibility criteria for compensation claims by individuals who have been wrongfully imprisoned. The bill specifies that claims can now be heard not only for those granted exoneration under existing law but also for individuals whose sentences are vacated due to a determination of actual innocence, with charges subsequently dismissed. This change broadens the scope of individuals who can seek compensation for wrongful imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill revises the provisions regarding claims filed by the survivors of deceased claimants. It allows surviving spouses or children to bring claims if the eligible person dies before filing, and it outlines the distribution of any remaining payments after the claimant's death. The time limit for filing a claim has also been clarified, stipulating that claims must be filed within one year of exoneration or dismissal of charges, with a provision for those whose convictions were vacated prior to the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-8-108(a)(7), 9-8-108, 9-8-108(a)(7)(C), 9-8-108(a)(7)(F)