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Innocence Commission (HB 498) Passes the House

Rep. McClendon’s HB 498 passed through the House on Friday afternoon with a vote of 87-51

 

HB 498 establishes an Innocence Commission, which would investigate and work to prevent wrongful convictions in Texas. The commission, composed of lawyers and academics, would release an annual report detailing its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

Texas currently leads the nation in the number of wrongful convictions, but Texas lawmakers are seeking to pass legislation that would correct this failure of the Texas criminal justice system. Representative Anchia's wrongful conviction bill, HB 1736, recently passed through both chambers and is being sent to the Governor’s office.

Texas Impact will keep you updated on the status of this bill as it travels to the Senate.

 

Below are helpful links about wrongful conviction:

Press Release on HB 498

Austin-American Statesman Op-Ed: May 2008

The Innocence Project website

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