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SB 131

AN ACT relating to wrongful conviction compensation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Clemons and 4 co-sponsors

Kentucky SB 131 creates a framework to compensate individuals wrongfully convicted and later exonerated or pardoned, outlining eligibility, amounts, and administration.

recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (S)
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Bill Summary · SB 131

Overview

SB 131 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is an act relating to wrongful conviction compensation. It establishes a framework for compensating individuals who were wrongfully convicted and subsequently exonerated or pardoned, delineating eligibility, amount, administration, and related procedures.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a statutory process to provide financial restitution to persons who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated or pardoned.
  • Ensure that compensation is aligned with the state’s policy of acknowledging and remedying wrongful imprisonment and its resulting harms.
  • Clarify administrative responsibilities and funding mechanisms for delivering compensation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility criteria
    • Individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and later exonerated or pardoned may qualify for compensation.
    • Specific criteria likely include: the conviction was overturned or nullified through established judicial or official pardoning processes; the claimant did not contribute to or cause their wrongful conviction; and the claimant meets any residency or other eligibility requirements set by the act.
  • Compensation amount and structure
    • The bill defines a monetary award or structured payment plan for eligible claimants.
    • Potential components may include compensation for time served, loss of liberty, and non-economic harms (e.g., damage to reputation, impact on family).
    • There could be caps, minimums, or phased payment schedules; the exact figures would be specified in the text of the bill.
  • Administrative framework
    • Creation or designation of an administering entity (likely a state agency or a dedicated board) responsible for processing claims.
    • Application procedures, required documentation, verification steps, and timelines for determinations.
    • Appeals process for denied claims.
  • Funding and appropriations
    • Identification of funding sources (e.g., state budget appropriation, dedicated fund, or revenue streams) to support compensation payments.
    • Possible annual cap or limits on total expenditures tied to the program.
  • Procedural timelines
    • Effective date provisions for when the act or its key components take effect.
    • Deadlines for filing applications after exoneration or pardon, and for the administering body to issue determinations.
  • Additional provisions
    • Provisions to prevent double recovery (e.g., limiting compensation where other settlements or awards exist).
    • Requirements for recipient disclosure of other compensation or income as applicable.
    • Periodic reporting requirements to the General Assembly or relevant committees.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Individuals who were wrongfully convicted and subsequently exonerated or pardoned in Kentucky.
  • Employers and government agencies: Potential impact on state government budgets due to disbursement of compensation.
  • Legal and administrative staff: Entities involved in processing applications, audits, and oversight.
  • Public: Indirect impacts through transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current action history indicates:
    • Introduced in January 2026, referred to Judiciary (S), then to Committees, with progression through the standard committee and chamber process.
    • February 25, 2026: moved to Judiciary (S).
    • February 26, 2026: reported favorably at 1st reading and sent to Calendar.
    • February 27, 2026: 2nd reading to Rules, recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (S).
  • The bill follows the typical legislative timeline for Kentucky: committee hearings, favorable reports, first readings, calendar placement, and second reading with potential amendments before final passage and transmission to the House (if applicable) and then to the governor.

Notes

  • Specific dollar amounts, caps, eligibility nuances, and procedural deadlines will be detailed in the bill text. The summary reflects anticipated structure based on common wrongful conviction compensation frameworks and the bill’s stated purpose.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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