SB 321: Compensation for wrongful conviction: hearings by a special master.

Existing law authorizes a person who served a term in county jail or state prison and was, thereafter, granted a pardon by the Governor or determined to be innocent of the crime for the reason that the crime with which he or she was charged was either not committed at all or, if committed, was not committed by him or her, to petition the California Victim Compensation Board for compensation for the injury sustained by him or her through erroneous conviction and imprisonment. Existing law requires the California Victim Compensation Board to determine eligibility for compensation and the amount of compensation.

This bill would require the Governor to appoint a special master, subject to confirmation by the Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor, to oversee all claims requiring a hearing to determine compensation after wrongful conviction.