LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Exonerated inmates would be paid $50,000 for each year of their wrongful incarceration along with attorney fees under a bill approved unanimously by the Michigan Senate.
The vote Thursday is encouraging advocates who have proposed such payment for a decade. The legislation next goes to the House for consideration later this year.
Michigan has released more innocent prisoners than all but four states. Just this week, 23-year-old Davontae Sanford was freed after serving eight years for a quadruple slaying in Detroit despite a professional hit man telling authorities he was responsible.
Thirty states provide the wrongfully convicted with financial support. Under the legislation, fewer than half of the 60 people who have been freed would qualify for compensation.
