GA SB176

Establishes compensation of $50,000 per year of wrongful incarceration for exonerated persons, with total compensation capped at $1 million including reimbursement for fines, court costs, and attorney's fees

Defines "exonerated" as receiving a pardon based on innocence, acquittal upon retrial, or having conviction reversed/vacated with charges dismissed based on evidence of actual innocence

Requires exonerated persons to petition the sentencing court within 90 days of exoneration (or by June 30, 2026 for prior exonerations) and prove innocence by clear and convincing evidence

Provides tuition and fee waivers for up to 120 credit hours at University System of Georgia or Technical College System institutions, plus automatic expungement of criminal records related to the wrongful conviction

Disqualifies persons with prior serious violent felony convictions, multiple prior felonies, or those who committed serious violent felonies during incarceration from receiving compensation