Bill > S05370

This bill, known as the "Wrongful Conviction Recovery Act," proposes several significant changes to support individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The bill amends the Court of Claims Act to make it easier for exonerated individuals to seek compensation, lowering the standard of proof from "clear and convincing" to "preponderance of the evidence" and ensuring that claimants who were incarcerated receive at least $1 million per year of wrongful imprisonment. Additionally, the bill creates a scholarship program for wrongfully convicted individuals or their children, allowing them to receive full tuition, mandatory fees, and non-tuition costs of attendance at New York state universities. The legislation also provides civil service employment benefits by granting successful claimants an additional 10 points in competitive examinations for original appointments, which can improve their chances of being hired. The bill aims to provide comprehensive support for individuals who have been wrongly convicted by offering financial compensation, educational opportunities, and improved employment prospects, recognizing the significant hardships faced by those who have been unjustly imprisoned.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5370