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SB 1515

Relating to wrongful convictions; and declaring an emergency.

2026 Regular Session

SB 1515 establishes or modifies Oregon's procedures for proving wrongful convictions and determining remedies for exonerated individuals, declared urgent for immediate implementation.

Effective date, April 7, 2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 1515

Legislative bill overview

SB 1515 addresses procedures and remedies for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and seeks to correct injustices in Oregon's criminal justice system. The bill has passed third reading and is currently in the Rules committee with a public hearing scheduled. The "emergency" designation indicates the legislature considers this matter time-sensitive.

Why is this important

Wrongful convictions represent a fundamental failure of the justice system, resulting in lost years of freedom, psychological trauma, and financial hardship for innocent individuals. Oregon's approach to identifying, reviewing, and compensating wrongfully convicted persons directly affects public trust in the judiciary and sets precedent for how the state remedies systemic errors.

Potential points of contention

  • Compensation standards: Disagreement likely exists over appropriate monetary compensation levels, restitution formulas, and whether they should match federal standards or be state-specific
  • Evidentiary standards for exoneration: Debate over what constitutes sufficient evidence to prove wrongful conviction (DNA evidence, recanted testimony, prosecutorial misconduct) and who bears the burden of proof
  • Statute of limitations: Tension between allowing sufficient time to investigate historical convictions and providing finality/closure for cases, victims' families, and the justice system

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

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