OKLAHOMA CITY –HB 2773, authored by House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, increases the compensation for a person wrongfully convicted.

The bill removes the $175,000 cap and creates a formula to determine compensation.

“HB2773 is a criminal justice reform measure that takes a step toward ensuring the integrity of Oklahoma's criminal justice system,” Rep. Munson said.

Using the new formula, the individual wrongfully convicted would get $50,000 per year for every year they were incarcerated. If the individual was on death row, they would get an additional payment of $50,000 for every year they were on death row. If the wrongfully convicted person was on probation or parole, they would get an additional payment of $25,000 for every year they were on probation or parole.

The measure also directs the Department of Corrections to provide information to each wrongfully convicted person about the possibility of compensation.

“When a factually innocent person is released from incarceration, it is our responsibility to adequately care for the individual who has been stripped of the opportunity to live a full life and the opportunity to care for themselves and their family,” Rep. Munson said.

The bill would also prohibit Oklahoma colleges, universities and technology centers from charging tuition, mandatory fees, room and board expenses for the individuals wrongfully convicted and their children. 

“Both Texas and Kansas provide better compensation for the wrongfully convicted. Since our states have many similarities, it made sense to model our wrongful conviction compensation amounts after the states who have successfully accomplished this much needed change,” Rep. Munson said. 

Payments may be made in standard annuity payments.

“I am grateful to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for supporting my legislation, and I am hopeful for continued support as HB2773 moves through the legislative process,” Rep. Munson added.

HB2773 passed the House Judiciary – Civil Committee unanimously last week and is now eligible to be heard on the House Floor.