Haley Williams, KPNX-TV Phoenix
Originally published June 30th, 2025
Those in Arizona who have been wrongfully convicted will be eligible for compensation under a new Arizona law.
Governor Katie Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1500 on Friday, establishing a pilot program for individuals who have been incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.
Under the new law, those who are eligible can file a claim seeking compensation if they can prove, with evidence, they were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. Eligible individuals have up to two years to file a claim and, if successful, can receive compensation equal to 200% of the median household income for each year they were imprisoned, plus additional awards of up to $500,000 for demonstrable damages.
Those formerly on death row or registered as sex offenders may receive an additional $25,000 annually. Reimbursement is also available for mental and physical health services, educational expenses, and legal fees.
Those who are eligible will also have their criminal records expunged and their civil rights restored.
To fund these awards, the state has established the Erroneous Convictions Fund, administered by the Department of Administration. Cities or counties found to have contributed to wrongful convictions through employee misconduct are required to reimburse the state for any payments made from the fund.
The law also allows victims to receive mental health services funded through the state’s Victim Compensation and Assistance Fund.
This initiative will sunset on June 30, 2027, unless renewed by the legislature.