WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS LANSING, MICH. (AP) (wgvu) - LEGISLATION PENDING IN THE MICHIGAN HOUSE
WOULD ALLOW THE EXONERATED TO SUE THE STATE FOR AT LEAST
50-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH YEAR THEY SPENT LOCKED UP.
THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION COULD GO HIGHER, DEPENDING ON THE
AMOUNT OF LOST WAGES AND OTHER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
IMPRISONMENT.
THE BILL ALSO WOULD PROVIDE THE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED WITH UP TO
10 YEARS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE THROUGH THE STATE
EMPLOYEE SYSTEM.
THE ORGANIZATION SAYS THE LAWS ARE NEEDED BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO
LOST YEARS DUE TO A WRONGFUL CONVICTION OFTEN HAVE NO MONEY,
HOUSING OR HEALTH CARE WHEN THEY ARE FINALLY EXONERATED.
CRITICS SAY TAXPAYERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR MISTAKES MADE BY
LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
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