WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1914

Compensation for wrongful incarceration; compensation for certain intentional acts.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 5 co-sponsors

Virginia law establishes compensation for wrongfully incarcerated individuals and liability for certain intentional state acts, effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0213)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1914

Legislative bill overview

HB 1914 establishes a compensation framework for individuals wrongfully incarcerated in Virginia and creates liability provisions for certain intentional acts by state actors. The bill, now law effective July 1, 2025, sets monetary and procedural standards for claims arising from wrongful conviction or imprisonment.

Why is this important

Wrongful incarceration represents a significant deprivation of liberty and often results in lasting economic and psychological harm to exonerees. This legislation provides a legal mechanism for Virginia to acknowledge and remedy these injustices while potentially reducing future litigation costs through a structured claims process rather than piecemeal civil suits.

Potential points of contention

  • Compensation caps and adequacy: The bill may establish maximum compensation amounts that advocates argue are insufficient to truly remedy years of lost freedom and opportunity costs
  • Evidentiary burdens: The standards of proof required to demonstrate wrongful incarceration may be debated as either too stringent (protecting the state) or too lenient (creating frivolous claims)
  • Scope of "intentional acts": The definition and coverage of which state actions trigger liability could be contested, particularly regarding law enforcement conduct and prosecutorial decisions

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

Sign in to ask a question.