SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help wrongfully convicted people receive more compensation from the state.

There have been roughly 600 exonerations in Illinois since 1989, but current laws have led to inconsistent and inadequate compensation for exonerees. 

This plan could provide exonerees up to $50,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment, including time spent in pretrial detention or a juvenile detention facility before exoneration.

"Illinois law caps recovery no matter how long a person was in prison and we pay below the poverty line," said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). "House Bill 3663 enables the Court of Claims to award up to $50,000 per year for each year wrongfully imprisoned. This is the federally recommended minimum set in 2004."

The legislation also states that people should receive $25,000 for each year they wrongfully spent on probation, parole or the sex offender registry. 

House Bill 3663 received unanimous support in the House and Senate. 

"For three out of the last four years, Illinois has led the nation in the number of wrongful convictions that have been overturned," said Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). "When a system continues to fail individuals, families and entire communities, we need to step up and provide the accountability and support they need to begin to heal." 

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