NC H398

Increases compensation for persons erroneously convicted of capital felonies and sentenced to death from $50,000 to $100,000 per year of imprisonment served, including time awaiting trial.

Sets a maximum lifetime compensation cap of $1,500,000 for death-sentenced individuals, compared to $750,000 for those sentenced to life imprisonment or convicted of noncapital felonies.

Maintains the $50,000 per year compensation rate for individuals erroneously imprisoned for capital felonies with life sentences or noncapital felonies, capped at $750,000 total.

Requires compensation awards only when recipients receive a pardon of innocence or are determined innocent by a three-judge panel, and cannot cover concurrent sentences for other crimes.

Directs the Director of the Budget to pay awards from the Contingency and Emergency Fund or other available state funds, with decisions subject to judicial review.