Senate committee hears push to fix Oregon wrongful-conviction compensation process

Senate Judiciary Committee members heard testimony Feb. 27 on SB 1007, a bill proponents say would clarify and broaden Oregon—s wrongful-conviction compensation process and make it easier for exonerees to receive payments and services.

The bill—s sponsor and supporters said the intent of Oregon—s 2022 Justice for Exonerees Act has been frustrated by procedural and legal hurdles that force exonerees into protracted litigation. "This measure clarifies and adapts Oregon—s wrongful convictions compensation statute and increases the scope of available compensation," said Chris (staff member), who gave the committee—s overview.

Why it matters: Testimony described exoneration as a continuing trauma when the state does not provide timely financial and social supports. Advocates and exonerees said money that should support re-entry instead goes to litigating guilt, and some people who ultimately prevailed accepted settlements for far less than the statute envisions.

Janice Pericle, executive director of the Forensic Justice Project, told the…