Compensation for persons exonerated based on DNA.

11LSO-0211.C1

FISCAL NOTE

The fiscal impact is indeterminable due to an unknown number of cases.

Source of Expenditure Increase:

This bill will add expenditures to qualified persons exonerated based on DNA as provided in the bill.

Assumptions:

Wyoming experiences qualifying exonerations.

The actual fiscal impact would be estimated to be relatively low.  Based on statistics, since 1989 there have been 261 cases that may qualify nationally or 12.4 cases per year (17 cases were death row inmates). Wyoming's proportionate share would be one case every four years. There are currently no cases that may qualify in the system. Typically, these cases are from the pre-DNA era. As time passes there will be fewer cases as DNA has become a common tool in criminal cases.

The fiscal impact to the judicial system is indeterminable due to an unknown number of cases.

Prepared by:   Matthew Sackett, LSO   Phone: 777-7881

(Information provided by: Rich Cathcart, Administration and Information; Phone: 777-8660; Sharon Garland, Treasurer’s Office; Phone: 777-7475; Brian Farmer, Department of Corrections; Phone: 777-5983; and Joann Odendahl, Supreme Court; Phone: 777-7581)