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SD 886

An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 2 co-sponsors

SD 886 - An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction OverviewBill Number: SD 886 Title: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful convictionSt

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Bill Summary · SD 886

SD 886 - An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

Overview

Bill Number: SD 886
Title: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to establish a comprehensive compensation program for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated. The legislation aims 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
  • Sets a base compensation amount of $100,000 per year of incarceration, with additional awards for lost wages, legal fees, and other damages
  • Requires the state to provide healthcare coverage, job training, and housing assistance to aid in the reintegration process
  • Establishes a Victim Compensation Review Board to evaluate claims and determine appropriate award amounts
  • Waives all state taxes on compensation payments received through the program

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly benefit individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and subsequently exonerated. It aims to provide them with financial resources and support services to help overcome the immense personal and professional setbacks caused by their unjust incarceration.

Additionally, the legislation could have broader societal impacts by incentivizing greater scrutiny and accuracy within the criminal justice system, as well as fostering public trust and confidence in the ability of the state to rectify grave errors.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 886 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary for initial review and consideration. The committee will hold public hearings to gather input from stakeholders and experts before deciding whether to advance the bill for a full floor vote.

If passed by the legislature, the bill would then require the governor's signature to be enacted into law. Assuming it clears these procedural hurdles, the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Program would be established within 6 months, with the first claims expected to be processed within the following year.

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

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