Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

HB 2766 creates a legal process for individuals wrongfully convicted of felonies to seek state compensation. To qualify, claimants must prove they were innocent (not responsible for their conviction through perjury or evidence fabrication) and that their conviction was overturned, pardoned, or dismissed. Compensation equals 200% of Arizona's median household income per year incarcerated, adjusted for inflation, plus interest. The bill also allows courts to determine if local law enforcement or prosecutors caused the wrongful conviction through "harmful error," making cities/towns liable for their share of damages based on fault percentage.

SB 1317 appropriates $20 million from Arizona’s consumer restitution fund to the Attorney General for grants to counties. These grants fund coordinated reentry planning services programs designed to support individuals transitioning from incarceration back into communities. Counties receiving funds must establish coalitions, hire dedicated jail-based staff, implement a statewide recidivism tracking database, create data-sharing agreements, and use screening tools within a two-year grant cycle. The bill requires grantees to demonstrate these specific program elements and commit to local funding contributions before receiving funds.