Senate Bill 577 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 eligibility based on clear and convincing evidence of innocence. 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 stipulates that compensation payments will be exempt from taxation and allows family members of deceased individuals who were wrongfully imprisoned to file claims on their behalf.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for health care coverage for those receiving compensation, allowing them to elect health insurance under state employee plans for a period equal to their imprisonment, up to five years. It also establishes a transition-to-release plan for individuals released on the basis of innocence, which includes access to community resources and counseling. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for filing claims, including restrictions on individuals convicted of felonies related to the same conduct or violent crimes after their release. Overall, Senate Bill 577 aims to enhance support and compensation for wrongfully imprisoned individuals while streamlining the claims process.

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