H 1758
An Act for fair compensation for erroneous felony conviction
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to provide compensation to individuals who have been wrongly convicted of a felony and later exonerated. It aims to acknowledge the significant harm and hardship caused by false convictions and offer financial assistance to help those affected rebuild their lives. The bill seeks to establish a process for determining eligibility and providing appropriate restitution. It is modeled after similar legislation in other jurisdictions.
Key provisions
- Establishes a process for individuals to apply for compensation after being exonerated from a felony conviction.
- Defines criteria for determining eligibility for compensation, including the degree of error and the impact on the individual.
- Specifies the types of damages that may be awarded, such as lost wages, legal fees, and emotional distress.
- Creates a fund to provide compensation to eligible individuals.
- Requires the state to investigate claims of wrongful conviction.
- Addresses potential appeals processes for compensation decisions.
- Outlines procedures for managing and distributing funds from the compensation fund.
Who is affected
- Individuals who have been wrongfully convicted of a felony and subsequently exonerated.
- Families of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted of a felony and subsequently exonerated.
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a formal mechanism for compensating individuals harmed by erroneous felony convictions, which may not currently exist in Massachusetts law.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Russell E. Holmes
Cosponsor
Russell E. Holmes
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.1758 194th (Current)
An Act for fair compensation for erroneous felony conviction
By Representative Holmes of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1758) of Russell E. Holmes relative to compensation for erroneous felony convictions. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Russell E. Holmes
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.1758
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 1:00PM-5:00 PM in A-2 and virtual |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 12/31/2025 | House | Accompanied a new draft, see H4860 |
Similar Bills
H.3957 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act for fair compensation for erroneous felony conviction
H.4019 194th (Current)
An Act to ensure fair compensation for warranty service labor
S.1324 194th (Current)
An Act relative to updating overtime salary thresholds and codifying definitions to protect middle-class workers
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.