Bill > HB1551

This bill creates a comprehensive civil cause of action for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned, allowing them to seek damages from the state for their unjust incarceration. The legislation establishes a detailed process for claimants to seek compensation, requiring them to prove their innocence by demonstrating that their conviction was reversed or vacated, they did not commit the original offense, and they did not cause their own conviction through perjury or evidence fabrication. Successful claimants can receive monetary damages of $179 per day of imprisonment (up to $65,000 per fiscal year), additional compensation for time spent on parole or as a registered sex offender, and reasonable attorney's fees. The bill also provides significant additional benefits, including automatic expungement of criminal records, a certificate of innocence, and tuition assistance for up to 120 credit hours at public higher education institutions. The damages can be paid as a combination of an initial payment and an annuity, with provisions to prevent double recovery from other legal actions. The legislation represents a significant expansion of rights for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted, offering both financial compensation and support for rebuilding their lives after exoneration.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1551&year=2025&code=R