SPRINGFIELD — People who have been exonerated in Illinois would have a clearer path to financial stability and support under a landmark measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. that has passed the Senate.
“For three out of the last four years, Illinois has led the nation in the number of wrongful convictions that have been overturned,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “When a system continues to fail individuals, families and entire communities, we need to step up and provide the accountability and support they need to begin to heal.”
Since 1989, there have been nearly 600 exonerations in Illinois – more than any other state. Current law has led to inconsistent and inadequate compensation awards for exonerated 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 exonerees struggle to find stability 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 their children, families and entire communities who lose not just a loved one’s income but their presence in the home.
Sims is working to address the harms of wrongful imprisonment by raising state compensation for people who have been exonerated. His 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.
“This is one more step in our fight to reshape the system that has failed so many families,” Sims added. “The reality is that the justice system has a dark history – but we have an opportunity now to forge a path forward that will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Illinoisans who have experienced the injustice of a wrongful conviction.”
House Bill 3663 passed the Senate Sunday.
