Assembly Bill 583 proposes significant changes to the process for compensating individuals wrongfully imprisoned in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that any petition for compensation received by the Claims Board must be referred to the Division of Hearings and Appeals within five days. The Division is required to hold a hearing on the petition within 60 days if requested, and it must determine whether the evidence is clear and convincing that the petitioner was innocent. If the petitioner is found innocent, the Claims Board will award compensation at a rate of $50,000 per year, adjusted for inflation, with a maximum total award of $1,000,000. The bill also introduces provisions for family members of deceased individuals who had the right to petition for compensation, allowing them to file on behalf of the decedent.

Additionally, the bill provides health care coverage for petitioners who receive compensation, allowing them to elect coverage under state employee health plans for a period equal to their imprisonment, up to five years. It also exempts compensation payments from taxation and establishes a transition plan for individuals released on the basis of wrongful imprisonment, which includes access to community resources and financial assistance. The bill includes various amendments and new sections to existing statutes to implement these changes, including the creation of new provisions for health care coverage and the assignment of rights to any settlements related to wrongful imprisonment claims.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.505(4)(d), 20.505, 40.51(1), 40.51, 227.03(5), 227.03