FL S0036

Appropriates $3 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate James Joseph Richardson for his wrongful conviction and incarceration for the 1967 deaths of his seven children from poisoning.

Directs the Chief Financial Officer to issue a warrant to James Joseph Richardson for $3 million from Department of Corrections funds in the State Treasury.

Acknowledges that Richardson was wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder in May 1968, spent four years on death row, and was released in April 1989 after evidence revealed the actual perpetrator (babysitter Betsy Reese) had confessed to the murders.

Recognizes that prosecutorial misconduct occurred, including failure to disclose exculpatory evidence about non-existent life insurance policies and evidence pointing to Reese's motive and opportunity to commit the crimes.

Takes effect upon becoming law and apologizes to Richardson on behalf of the state for his wrongful prosecution and the psychological and physical toll of his 21.5-year incarceration.