Bill
Bill > HB2235
OK HB2235
Wrongful convictions; increasing liability amount for claims of wrongful incarceration; codification.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
04/16/2025
04/16/2025
Crossed Over
03/31/2025
03/31/2025
Passed
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Dead
Vetoed
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to wrongful convictions; amending 22 O.S. 2021, Section 19, as last amended by Section 2, Chapter 259, O.S.L. 2024 (22 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 19), which relates to procedures for filing expungement requests; authorizing expungement hearings within certain period of time; establishing notice requirement; amending 51 O.S. Section 154, which relates to The Governmental Tort Claims Act; updating certain date related to filing claims; modifying scope of certain definition; increasing liability amount for claims of wrongful incarceration; providing for supplemental compensation under certain circumstances; stating guidelines for payments of awards; allowing claimants to obtain group health benefit plan coverage; providing limitations; requiring payment of monthly contribution for coverage; directing the Legislature to appropriate funds to certain revolving fund for certain purpose; authorizing the Department of Corrections to seek reimbursement for expenditures; modifying effective dates for certain claims; directing the Department of Corrections to provide certain information to wrongfully imprisoned persons; providing for the waiver of resident and nonresident tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees for wrongfully incarcerated persons and their children; providing limitation for credit hours; defining term; and providing for codification. SUBJECT: Wrongful convictions
AI Summary
This bill amends Oklahoma law to improve compensation and support for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. The bill increases the liability amount for wrongful incarceration claims, now allowing $50,000 per year served in prison, with additional compensation for those who were on death row or released on parole. Wrongfully incarcerated individuals can now receive up to $1 million in damages, with payments over $1 million distributed in annual installments. The bill also provides significant educational benefits, waiving tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees for wrongfully incarcerated individuals and their children at state higher education institutions, limited to 120 credit hours. Additionally, the Department of Corrections must provide information about compensation rights and nonprofit advocacy groups to wrongfully imprisoned persons upon release. The bill expands eligibility for claims of wrongful conviction, clarifies the criteria for "actual innocence," and allows wrongfully incarcerated individuals to obtain group health insurance through the Department of Corrections for a period equal to their time served. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive support and compensation for individuals who have been unjustly imprisoned.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (12)
Julie Daniels (R)*,
Cyndi Munson (D)*,
Nick Archer (R),
Jared Deck (D),
Regina Goodwin (D),
Ellyn Hefner (D),
Justin Humphrey (R),
Chris Kannady (R),
Robert Manger (R),
Ajay Pittman (D),
Ronald Stewart (D),
Gabe Woolley (R),
Last Action
Line item vetoed 05/24/2025 (on 05/27/2025)
Official Document
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