The bill seeks to reform the Wrongly Convicted Persons Act by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and introducing new definitions and procedures for wrongful conviction claims. It establishes definitions for terms such as "actually innocent," "significant new exculpatory information," and "wrongly convicted." The legislation allows individuals convicted in superior court for felonies they did not commit to file claims for compensation, including provisions for authorized agents to file on behalf of deceased or incapacitated individuals. It clarifies the requirements for filing claims, emphasizing the need for supporting documentation and ensuring claims are not time-barred. Additionally, the bill revises compensation criteria, mandating that claimants prove their actual innocence and that they did not engage in illegal conduct related to their charges.

Moreover, the bill introduces structured settlement agreements that must be in writing and approved by the court, extending the time frame for filing wrongful conviction claims from three years to six years after a pardon or executive relief. It also allows individuals wrongfully convicted before the bill's effective date to file claims within three years of enactment. The legislation includes provisions for tuition waivers for wrongly convicted individuals and their children, provided they are Washington domiciliaries, and encourages private institutions to offer similar waivers. Additionally, it repeals a previous section related to compensation claims, streamlining the process for those seeking justice and support after wrongful convictions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the rights and resources available to wrongfully convicted individuals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 4.100.030, 4.28.080, 4.100.050, 4.100.060, 4.100.070, 4.100.090, 28B.15.395, 4.100.020
Substitute bill: 4.100.030, 4.28.080, 4.100.050, 4.100.060, 4.100.070, 4.100.090, 28B.15.395, 4.100.020
Bill as passed Legislature: 4.100.030, 4.28.080, 4.100.050, 4.100.060, 4.100.070, 4.100.090, 28B.15.395, 4.100.020
Session law: 4.100.030, 4.28.080, 4.100.050, 4.100.060, 4.100.070, 4.100.090, 28B.15.395, 4.100.020