KY SB131

Creates a new legal pathway for wrongfully convicted individuals to sue the Commonwealth of Kentucky for damages in Circuit Court, requiring proof by preponderance of evidence that their conviction was reversed, vacated, or pardoned on grounds of innocence

Awards $65,000 per year of imprisonment ($75,000 if under death sentence) plus $32,500 per year on parole, supervision, or sex offender registration, paid in 24 semi-monthly installments over 3 years with annual cost-of-living adjustments capped at 3%

Provides additional compensation including up to $25,000 in attorney's fees, tuition waiver for up to 120 credit hours at Kentucky public colleges, reimbursement for court costs and restitution paid, and up to $25,000 for mental/physical health care and reintegration services

Establishes the wrongful conviction compensation fund in the State Treasury, funded by appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds, with shortfalls covered by the general fund surplus or budget reserve trust fund

Requires courts to issue a certificate of innocence and order expungement of conviction and arrest records, plus destruction of DNA samples held by Kentucky State Police related to the wrongful conviction