Provide financial compensation and support services to individuals who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.
One policy goal, tracked across every bill that has carried it.
What’s happening with Justice for Exonerees Act?
The Justice for Exonerees Act, introduced as H.R. 5540, has remained in the House Committee on the Judiciary since September 18, 2025. The committee members must take action to move the bill forward, but most legislation fails because committees choose not to hold a vote. Given that no action has occurred on this bill for nine months, it faces the same hurdle that stops the vast majority of proposed laws.
Updated July 9, 2026 · Generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.
Where it stands
Now carried by Justice for Exonerees Act (H.R. 5540 (119th)) →
Legislative Progress
How we got here
Every bill that has carried this goal, oldest first.
Died with Congress · Jan 3, 2025
Died when the 118th Congress ended without final passage. Bills must be reintroduced under a new number to be revived.
Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from H.R. 10442 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 10442 (118th) →
Vehicles
Who’s behind it
Maxine Waters (D-CA)Wrote and sponsored the current bill.