HB2795 Summary: Compensation for Wrongfully Imprisoned Persons Act

• Creates a new compensation program for individuals wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois who received either a gubernatorial pardon on grounds of innocence or a certificate of innocence from circuit court.

• Establishes compensation rates of $80,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment, plus an additional $25,000 per year for time spent on mandatory supervised release or as a registered sex offender.

• Provides claimants eligibility for group health benefit coverage through the Department of Corrections for a period equal to their total wrongful imprisonment time, with claimants paying standard employee contribution rates.

• Allows claimants to receive compensation as either standard annuity payments (monthly installments for life) or reduced alternative annuity payments with survivor options, plus payment of unpaid child support obligations and accrued interest.

• Authorizes payment of tuition and mandatory fees for up to 120 credit hours at Illinois career centers or public higher education institutions if requested within 7 years of release, and makes compensation non-taxable income under the Illinois Income Tax Act.