Breaking News: Landmark Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act Signed into Law in Georgia
In a monumental victory for justice and human rights, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has officially signed the Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act into law today, marking a historic turning point for individuals who have suffered wrongful convictions within the state.
After gaining strong bipartisan support and passing the Georgia General Assembly earlier in April, this crucial legislation, originally championed by Representatives Katie Dempsey (R) and Scott Holcomb (D), was incorporated into SB 244 by House leadership, ultimately leading to its successful enactment. The Act creates an essential, comprehensive process that allows innocent individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated to seek financial compensation after their convictions have been overturned and their innocence affirmed.
The journey toward justice and compensation for exonerees in Georgia has been long and challenging. This achievement represents years of dedicated, collaborative advocacy and legislative efforts spearheaded by multiple partners, including the Georgia Innocence Project, exonerees themselves, and After Innocence—a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential post-release assistance to exonerees nationwide, including those in Georgia.
Critical to this landmark legislation’s success were the tireless efforts and contributions from prominent legal professionals, including Stan Jones, Helen Sloat, George Ray, and Ross Shepard of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP; Cameron Roberts from Caplan Cobb LLC; Paul Murphy from King & Spalding LLP (retired); and Ragen Marsh from Troutman Pepper.
Community engagement played a pivotal role as well. Georgia citizens actively participated, making countless calls to their Representatives and Governor Kemp, sharing stories of wrongful convictions, spreading awareness, and providing steadfast support throughout the arduous four-year legislative process. These collective efforts have brought this vital legislation to fruition, underscoring the power of persistent advocacy and civic involvement.
The passage of the Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act is more than just a legislative success—it is a profound acknowledgment of the injustices endured by individuals wrongfully imprisoned. It ensures that exonerees are not only recognized but also provided the critical resources necessary to rebuild their lives after wrongful incarceration.
Today’s signing serves as a beacon of hope and a tangible commitment by the State of Georgia to uphold justice, accountability, and human dignity. As advocates celebrate this significant milestone, the law’s enactment stands as a testament to the ongoing importance of advocating for fairness, transparency, and justice within the criminal legal system.
Read the Full Text of SB 244:
Georgia General Assembly – SB 244 Enrolled Bill Text
My Future Husband and Myself have been wrongfully convicted of false Lies made on us and I have served 3 months in Blaylock jail and went in injured with only a fracture of my left hip and they knew it and then to fall on that same hip while inside and forced by two female officers to get up from the floor and and after taken to hospital . while My future Husband has been tricked into a Plea by his lawyer for things he never done and has been already serving 3 years in Costal State prison and beaten by inmates very badly for things he was accused of that he never did . Yes They need to release my Future husband and drop all charges and also on Mine and compensate us both for wrongful time that we served and for the suffering that we Indured .