Oklahoma lawmakers advance bill to increase compensation for wrongful convictions

Oklahoma lawmakers are advancing a bill that would increase compensation for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted of a crime.

Under current law, those exonerated after serving prison time can receive up to $175,000 in total compensation from the state. The proposed legislation would raise that amount to $50,000 for each year a person was wrongfully imprisoned.

Supporters say the measure is about fairness and accountability.

"With our criminal justice system, when we get it wrong, we should make our wrongs a right," said House Minority Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City.

The bill passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives with bipartisan support and now heads to the state Senate for consideration.