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HD 1234

An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Reid and 2 co-sponsors

HD 1234 - An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction OverviewBill Number: HD 1234 Title: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

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Bill Summary · HD 1234

HD 1234 - An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

Overview

Bill Number: HD 1234
Title: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive system for compensating individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated. The bill's primary goal is to provide fair and adequate financial restitution to help these victims rebuild their lives after experiencing a grave injustice at the hands of the criminal justice system.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a Wrongful Conviction Compensation Program within the state's Department of Justice
  • Allows individuals who have been exonerated after a wrongful conviction to apply for compensation
  • Provides for a minimum compensation award of $100,000 per year of incarceration, with additional amounts for other damages
  • Requires the state to provide health insurance coverage for 5 years after release for exonerated individuals
  • Establishes a Wrongful Conviction Review Board to evaluate claims and determine appropriate compensation amounts
  • Allows for compensation to be paid in a lump sum or structured payments, based on the recipient's preference
  • Waives all state taxes on compensation awards to ensure victims receive the full amount

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly benefit individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated in the state. By providing substantial financial compensation and other support, it aims to help these victims regain their financial stability, access necessary medical and mental health services, and rebuild their lives after the trauma of wrongful imprisonment.

The legislation would also have broader societal impacts, potentially incentivizing greater diligence and accuracy in the criminal justice system to prevent wrongful convictions in the first place. Additionally, the Wrongful Conviction Review Board established by the bill would play a key role in evaluating claims and ensuring fair and equitable compensation.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 1234 has been introduced in the state legislature and is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full House vote. Supporters are hopeful the legislation can gain bipartisan support and be enacted into law by the end of the current legislative session.

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

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