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Bill > HB545
PA HB545
PA HB545In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.
summary
Introduced
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.
AI Summary
This bill comprehensively addresses compensation and services for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted in Pennsylvania. It establishes a new legal framework that allows individuals who can prove their actual innocence to seek financial compensation and receive support services after exoneration. The bill creates detailed provisions for how wrongfully convicted individuals can file a petition for compensation through Commonwealth Court, including specific eligibility requirements such as having a conviction dismissed, overturned, or pardoned. Compensation can include statutory damages ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per year of imprisonment, potential reimbursement of costs and fees, and support for reintegration services. The bill also mandates that the Commonwealth provide various services to exonerated individuals, including access to community corrections programs, general assistance, and medical assistance. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to develop regulations to implement these new provisions, with temporary regulations to be issued within six months of the act's effective date. The legislation aims to provide a comprehensive support system for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted, recognizing the significant personal and financial challenges they face after exoneration.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (16)
Regina Young (D)*,
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D),
Mary Jo Daley (D),
Elizabeth Fiedler (D),
Justin Fleming (D),
José Giral (D),
Roni Green (D),
Nancy Guenst (D),
Carol Hill-Evans (D),
Joe Hohenstein (D),
Mike Jones (R),
Malcolm Kenyatta (D),
Tarik Khan (D),
Maureen Madden (D),
Chris Pielli (D),
Ben Sanchez (D),
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary (on 02/10/2025)
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