Exonerated Illinois Prisoners, Advocates for Better Compensation Law

Jimmy Soto, a man who spent 42 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, urged lawmakers to pass the bill.

CHICAGO – Exonerated individuals and their advocates are urging Illinois lawmakers to pass a bill aimed at increasing compensation for those wrongfully imprisoned for years, sometimes decades.

Activists say the current compensation formula, which would pay just over $6,400 a year for wrongful imprisonment, falls well short of the reasonable amount.

The Illinois Innocence Project, a group focused on overturning wrongful convictions, is calling on lawmakers to take urgent action during the current veto session to pass the Exoneree Compensation Bill.

Stephanie Kamel, a supporter of the project, says the legislation — officially known as Senate Amendment 1 to HB 1015 — has bipartisan support in both chambers of the Illinois Legislature.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Kamel said.

Jimmy Soto, a man who spent 42 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, urged lawmakers to pass the bill.