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H 1965

An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing state compensation for individuals exonerated after wrongful conviction, providing financial restitution and support services to address systemic justice failures.

Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-09:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 1965

Legislative bill overview

H 1965 establishes a compensation system for individuals exonerated after serving time for crimes they did not commit in Massachusetts. The bill creates a structured process for wrongfully convicted persons to receive financial restitution from the state, along with related support services. This addresses a significant gap in Massachusetts law, as the state currently lacks a comprehensive statutory mechanism for compensating exonerees.

Why is this important

Wrongful convictions result in years of lost freedom, income, and opportunity for innocent people. Without formal compensation, exonerees often struggle with reintegration, lack resources for housing and employment, and bear the financial burden of proving their innocence. This bill provides economic justice and acknowledgment of state responsibility for systemic errors that affected innocent citizens.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Determining appropriate compensation levels and funding mechanisms could be contentious, particularly regarding how much the state should pay per year of wrongful incarceration
  • Burden of proof and eligibility criteria: Defining what constitutes "wrongful conviction" and which exonerees qualify (DNA exonerations vs. other evidence types, posthumous cases, etc.) may generate debate
  • Scope of relief: Questions about whether compensation should include ancillary benefits like healthcare, education assistance, or expungement services beyond monetary awards

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

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