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Restitution Bill Wins Unanimous Approval

by Kristina Kuestner
by Jim Daly

Story Created: Mar 8, 2013 at 12:38 AM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 8, 2013 at 12:51 AM MDT

DENVER (AP)- A bill to compensate people who were wrongly imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit has won unanimous approval after a man imprisoned for a rape and murder he didn't commit left many members of a House Committee in tears.

The bill was inspired by the case of a 52-year-old Western Colorado man who is now living in poverty, after DNA evidence cleared him of his 1994 conviction.

Robert Dewey choked back tears as he told lawmakers of missing his child's funeral while he was behind bars.

By the end of his testimony some lawmakers were wiping their eyes, too.

The bill sets compensation at $70,000 a year in prison, and $25,000 a year for people who were wrongly on parole, probation or a sex offender registry.

The legislation faces one more committee vote, before heading to the full House.

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Sad Day said on Friday, Mar 8 at 1:20 PM

Wow once again more worthless legislation. How about adopting Megans Law and actually protecting children.

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