An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

This bill updates Massachusetts laws to expand financial compensation and support services for individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes. It lowers the legal standard required to prove innocence from "clear and convincing evidence" to a "preponderance of the evidence," making it easier for claimants to qualify for relief. The legislation also mandates that courts prioritize these cases on a fast track and allows judges to award damages based on lost earnings and other consequences of incarceration. Additionally, the bill requires the state to assign social service advocates to help eligible individuals access transitional services for their physical, social, and emotional needs after release. These changes directly affect people who have been exonerated and the legal system responsible for processing their compensation claims.