Perry getting measure clearing way for Graves compensation

Exoneree reform plan heads to Perry's desk

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Updated 05:30 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011

Houston and Texas

AUSTIN — A bill enacting comprehensive reform for Texans who are wrongfully imprisoned is headed to Gov. Rick Perry's desk to become law.

The House gave final approval on Saturday to the bill, which would clear the way for a man wrongfully imprisoned 18 years for capital murder to get compensation he was previously denied by the state comptroller.

Anthony Graves was declared innocent but denied compensation based on a technical error in his dismissal order.

Under the measure, a person is eligible for compensation if they were granted relief in accordance with a writ of habeas corpus and an affidavit from the prosecutor.

It also ensures attorney fees for compensation claims aren't excessive and gives exonorees health insurance through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.