HARRISBURG – A hearing was held by the PA House Judiciary Committee on legislation sponsored by Lebanon County Rep. Frank Ryan which would streamline the process for persons wrongly convicted of felony crimes and incarcerated to seek compensation. Anyone seeking relief under House Bill 2794 must show that they were convicted of a felony; sentenced to incarceration based on the conviction and served any part of their sentence; and did not commit the crime that resulted in the conviction or there was no crime committed. Also, if they received a pardon, had the charges dismissed following reversal, or were acquitted upon retrial after the conviction was reversed or overturned. If someone meets the criteria, they would be awarded damages, based on the time spent in prison and on parole as a result of the wrongful conviction. Over 30 states provide some type of compensation to wrongfully incarcerated people who have been exonerated.
REP. FRANK RYAN