Bill > A04440

This bill, known as the "Wrongful Conviction Recovery Act," introduces comprehensive reforms to support individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The bill modifies the Court of Claims Act to lower the standard of proof for unjust conviction claims from "clear and convincing evidence" to a "preponderance of the evidence," and removes the requirement that a person must have been imprisoned to file a claim. For those successfully proving their innocence, the bill mandates a minimum compensation of one million dollars per year of incarceration and allows for recovery of attorneys' fees. Additionally, the bill creates wrongful conviction recovery scholarships for the exonerated individuals or their children, providing full tuition and associated costs at New York state universities. The legislation also grants successful claimants an additional ten points in competitive civil service job examinations, giving them a boost in employment opportunities. These provisions aim to provide meaningful support and compensation for individuals who have been wrongly convicted, acknowledging the significant hardships they have endured and helping them rebuild their lives through education and employment opportunities.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4440