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Legislator considering more wrongful conviction compensation

By: Associated Press//April 8, 2015//

Legislator considering more wrongful conviction compensation

By: Associated Press//April 8, 2015//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican legislator says he’s considering crafting a bill that would increase state compensation for wrongful convictions.

Currently, state compensation is limited to $5,000 per year of incarceration with a $25,000 maximum payout.

Rep. Dale Kooyenga of Brookfield said Wednesday that he hoped to introduce a bill increasing compensation later this year.

He didn’t go into detail about what the bill might call for, saying it’s difficult to put a price-tag on years lost in prison. He did say compensation should include helping the wrongfully convicted get back on their feet, perhaps through housing or helping them go back to school.

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