HB 118 - Compensation for Wrongful Conviction and Imprisonment

• Establishes a new claims process where persons must file with the attorney general to seek compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment, requiring proof by preponderance of evidence that conviction was vacated, reversed with acquittal, or pardoned for innocence.

• Provides monetary compensation of $50,000 per year of imprisonment served, up to a maximum of $2,000,000, with claims required to be filed within two years of dismissal, acquittal, or pardon.

• Entitles eligible persons to free reentry services including mental health treatment, University of Alaska tuition for the person and eligible children, three years of job training, up to 10 years of state-funded health coverage, and economic damages including lost wages and attorney fees.

• Specifies that compensation is not subject to state taxation (except attorney fees) and cannot be offset by state expenses including imprisonment and medical service costs.

• Bars persons receiving compensation from bringing any separate civil action against the state or municipalities regarding their arrest, conviction, or confinement.