St. Louis: So, there’s this bill being debated in Missouri that could really change things for people who’ve been wrongfully convicted. State Senator Steven Roberts is pushing it, and it’s all about making sure these folks get some help after they get out of prison.
Take Kevin Strickland, for example. He spent 43 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. Can you imagine? He got out in 2021, but the state didn’t give him a dime for all those lost years. He shared how tough it’s been to adjust, especially since he missed out on so much in life.
The current law is pretty strict. It only allows compensation if someone can prove their innocence through DNA testing, which is a real hurdle for many. But this new bill could change that. It would broaden who qualifies for restitution and even increase the payment amounts.
During a recent hearing, Strickland and other exonerees spoke up for the bill. They highlighted how hard it is to start over without any resources. Roberts emphasized that these individuals often leave prison with nothing, making it tough to reintegrate into society.
The proposed legislation would let people file for damages within two years of being released. They could get $179 for each day they were wrongfully imprisoned, up to $65,000 a year. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s still some pushback from certain groups who think the standards for proving innocence are too loose.
Strickland’s story is heartbreaking. He was just a kid when he was arrested, and he’s been trying to rebuild his life ever since. He even had a GoFundMe set up that raised a ton of money, but not everyone has that kind of support.
Another exoneree, Joseph Amrine, shared his struggles too. He spent 17 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit, and when he got out, there was no help waiting for him. It’s clear that the system needs to do better for these people who have suffered so much.
The bill is similar to one passed in Kansas a few years back, but it’s been a tough road getting it through. Previous attempts have been vetoed, and there’s still a lot of debate about how to handle these cases fairly.
In the end, it’s all about making sure that those who’ve been wronged by the system get the support they need to start fresh. It’s a long journey, but hopefully, this bill will help pave the way for a better future for exonerees in Missouri.
