Florida bills improve compensation for wrongfully convicted individuals

Proposals in Florida that could improve compensation for wrongfully convicted individuals are moving forward. Key committees in the House and Senate approved the bills on Thursday. The measures, identified as SB 130 and HB 59, will now go to the entire House and Senate for consideration. These bills aim to raise the compensation cap and remove a controversial provision that has excluded many exonerees from receiving financial support. Currently, a 2008 law allows compensation for people exonerated after being wrongly convicted. However, it includes a “clean hands” clause that disqualifies those with certain past felony convictions from receiving payouts. Senator Jennifer Bradley, who sponsored the Senate bill, emphasized that the original law has not fulfilled its promise. She noted that many exonerees have been left without compensation due to outdated restrictions. There have been 91 exonerations in Florida since 1989, but only five individuals have received financial compensation so far. Under current law, exonerees can get $50,000 for each year spent in prison, with a maximum payout of $2 million. The new proposals would make it easier for exonerees to seek compensation. They extend the time allowed to claim compensation from 90 days to two years and create a process for those who receive civil settlements to repay the state if needed. Bradley and House bill sponsor Traci Koster highlighted that Florida is unique in having laws that limit compensation in this way. They argued that the bills are a step toward correcting the injustices faced by those wrongfully convicted.