Bill > SB490

This bill modifies California law regarding victim compensation for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The bill extends the time periods for district attorneys and the Attorney General to object to compensation claims from 15 and 45 days to 45 and 120 days respectively, and allows each party to request a single subsequent extension of time. The bill removes previous restrictions that prevented prosecutors from relying solely on trial records to challenge compensation claims, now allowing them to do so if they conclude in good faith that the record demonstrates guilt by clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the bill prohibits compensation for individuals currently serving sentences for serious or violent felonies and mandates that any outstanding restitution orders be paid from the compensation before the claimant receives payment. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for prosecutors in challenging compensation claims while maintaining a process for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted to seek financial recovery for their time of incorrect imprisonment.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB490