WI SB577

Increases wrongful imprisonment compensation from $25,000 maximum ($5,000/year) to $1,000,000 maximum ($50,000/year, adjusted annually for inflation), plus reimbursement for attorney fees, court costs, and restitution paid

Transfers innocence determinations from the Claims Board to the Division of Hearings and Appeals, with petitions referred within 5 days and hearings held within 60 days if requested

Allows wrongfully imprisoned individuals to elect state employee health insurance coverage for a period equal to time imprisoned (up to 5 years), paying only the employee share of premiums

Provides immediate relief upon release: transition-to-release plan from DOC, temporary financial assistance up to 133% of federal poverty level for up to 14 months, and case record sealing

Exempts all compensation from state taxation, allows family members to petition on behalf of deceased exonerees within one year of death, and makes provisions retroactive to releases occurring on or after January 1, 1990