CA AB1802

Expands the California Victim Compensation Board from 3 members to 5 members by adding a Governor-appointed expert in crime victims' rights and a Governor-appointed physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist with expertise in treating crime victims.

Establishes a Special Master appointed by the Governor to conduct hearings on wrongful conviction compensation claims instead of the full board, with qualifications in evidence-taking, fact-finding, and wrongful conviction law.

Requires court factual findings and credibility determinations from habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate judgment, and factual innocence applications to be binding on the Special Master and board.

Maintains existing compensation of $140 per day of incarceration for wrongfully convicted individuals and requires the board to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Changes non-member state officers on the board from serving "ex officio" to allowing designation of individual designees to serve in their place.