SPRINGFIELD — Taking a step toward rectifying a serious flaw in the justice system, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a landmark measure to help exonerees rebuild financially and make a smoother transition back into their community.
“We must be vigilant in making sure the criminal justice system upholds fairness,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That means acknowledging the life-changing pain caused by wrongful incarceration and supporting the individuals and families who have been affected by this grave injustice.”
Since 1989, there have been over 600 exonerations in the state. The current law has resulted in inconsistent and inadequate compensation for these individuals, with an average award of $11,190 per year of wrongful imprisonment. According to the Illinois Innocence Project, one exoneree who was wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 27 years received an annual award of $5,985, while another who was wrongfully imprisoned for less than three years was awarded $35,562 per year.
Beyond financial compensation, many wrongfully convicted individuals struggle to reintegrate into society after having lost irreplaceable years – including years of work experience and paychecks. The impact is felt beyond the individual, causing financial and emotional hardship for families and entire communities who lose not just a loved one’s income but their presence in the home.
Sims’ measure seeks to address the harms of wrongful imprisonment by bolstering state compensation for people who have been exonerated. The legislation would provide compensation of up to $50,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment, including time spent in pre-trial detention or a juvenile detention facility before a wrongful conviction, and $25,000 per year wrongfully spent on probation, parole or the sex offender registry.
“No amount of money could ever replace years lost while being wrongfully imprisoned,” Sims added. “But this is one purposeful step we can take to begin repairing some of that harm with meaningful compensation that acknowledges the injustice they’ve faced.”
House Bill 3663 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.
