Washington, DC - Congressmen Sam Johnson (R-TX) and John Larson (D-CT) introduced legislation this that would prohibit the IRS from taxing compensation awarded to people who have been wrongfully convicted of a crime and subsequently exonerated. H.R. 4743 "Wrongful Convictions Tax Relief Act," is a bi-partisan solution that will protect the rights of those that have been exonerated of crimes they didn't commit using DNA evidence.

The wrongfully convicted have collectively served more than 3,100 years in prison before being exonerated. They have served jail time in more than 30 states across the country. As our ability to identify them with DNA and other technology becomes more advanced, we must have a system in place to ensure the exonerated are treated fairly.

Larson said, "The wrongfully convicted have lost so much - years of their lives, their careers, even their families. We can't give them the time back. But, we can make it a priority to protect the financial benefits we provide them. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation with my colleague, Sam Johnson, and I look forward to working with him to make this bill law."

The Wrongful Convictions Tax Relief Act proposes to allow exonerees to keep their awards free of tax and exempt from federal tax, for up to 15 years or their first $50,000 in earnings.

Compensation awards that exonerees receive are meant to provide them with much-needed economic suport. Many exonerees experience severe hardship acclimating to society, finding joys and housing and reconnecting with family. Unfortunately, for the wrongfully accused, once they are exonerated their punishment lingers long after their innocence has been proven.

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