MN SF2480

Establishes a process for exonerated persons to petition district court for an order determining eligibility for compensation, requiring the court to find the person was exonerated (conviction vacated/reversed with charges dismissed or acquitted at retrial) and the order is final.

Creates two pathways to compensation eligibility: (1) proving by preponderance of evidence that no crime was committed or the person did not commit it, or (2) showing newly discovered evidence led to exoneration and prosecutor joins petition within 60 days.

Requires compensation claims to be filed with the Minnesota Supreme Court, which appoints a three-member panel of attorneys or judges to determine damages within specified timeframes, with parties given opportunity to settle before hearing.

Provides exonerated persons with minimum compensation of $50,000 per year imprisoned and $25,000 per year on supervised release, plus reimbursement for restitution, attorney fees, lost wages, medical expenses, education costs, child support arrearages, and reintegration expenses, with caps of $100,000 per year of imprisonment for certain damages.

Appropriates $3,000 for fiscal year 2015 to cover compensation panel expenses, and requires future awards be submitted to the legislature for appropriation consideration.