Rabb highlights legislative remedy on International Wrongful Conviction Day

Rabb says state should compensate those wrongfully convicted

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb    October 2, 2023 | 4:25 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is reemphasizing the importance of compensating people wrongfully convicted on International Wrongful Conviction Day.

“Today marks the 10th annual International Wrongful Conviction Day,” Rabb said. “It is a day to remember Pennsylvanians who have suffered at the hands of an unjust criminal legal system, and to reaffirm our commitment to compensating exonerees.”

Rabb has reintroduced legislation (H.B. 987) that would help exonerees re-enter society by: 

  • Providing monetary compensation to those wrongfully convicted and those wrongfully imprisoned.

  • Providing additional monetary compensation to those wrongfully placed on the state sex offenders registry, on parole or on death row. 

  • Establishing a mechanism for additional supports including education, housing, and reasonable reintegrative mental and physical health services.  

Rabb said he has sought feedback from an array of exonerees to improve his legislation, thereby ensuring a fair and well-guided process from input from experts closest to the pain. 

“My legislation would do something that should have happened a long time ago: providing compensation and other resources to those who should have never been convicted,” Rabb said. “It’s time the state atones for the consequential mistakes it has made.”

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