When the federal government wrongfully convicts and imprisons someone, current law caps the compensation they can receive at $50,000 per year of imprisonment. This bill would raise that cap to $70,000 per year and, crucially, tie it to inflation going forward so it doesn't lose value over time. It's a recognition that the current amount hasn't kept pace with the cost of living, and that people who lose years of their life to wrongful imprisonment deserve fairer compensation.
Congressional Summary
Justice for Exonerees Act This bill increases the maximum amount of damages that an individual who was unjustly convicted and incarcerated may be awarded and requires that this amount be adjusted annually for inflation.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-09-19
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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