PHX Reporter

The Arizona House of Representatives has unanimously approved HB2813, a bill introduced by State Representative Khyl Powell. The legislation aims to provide compensation for individuals who were wrongfully convicted and incarcerated in the state.

"Accountability applies to everyone—people, institutions, and government itself," said Representative Powell, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. "When the state wrongfully takes years of someone’s life, it has a responsibility to make things right. I sponsored HB2813 to ensure that Arizona acknowledges its mistakes, takes responsibility, and provides meaningful compensation to those who have been unjustly imprisoned."

The bill outlines procedures for exonerated individuals to seek compensation from the state. It proposes that wrongfully convicted Arizonans receive 200% of the median household income for each year they were incarcerated. Additionally, they will have access to resources such as mental health treatment, education, and financial planning services. The legislation also calls for the immediate expungement of records related to wrongful convictions.

Representative Powell emphasized that the bill aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan's focus on public safety, government accountability, and individual rights protection. "Government must work for the people, not against them," he added. "This bill ensures that those who have been wronged by the system are not left to pick up the pieces on their own."

Following its passage in the House, HB2813 will proceed to the Senate for further consideration.

Khyl Powell is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing Legislative District 14 in Gilbert and serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Information from this article can be found here.