Exonerated Man Faces New Hurdle From State Legislature

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Andrew Johnson may have to go back to court if he wants Wyoming to compensate him for the 23 years he wrongfully spent behind bars.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the House passed Senate File 30, which requires individuals exonerated based on DNA evidence to return to court to prove their innocence in return for compensation.

In the original version of the bill, anyone exonerated by DNA evidence would have been eligible for up to $500,000 without having to return to court. But Wednesday's amendment added the court requirement.

The bill heads to a joint conference committee with the Senate before it can to Gov. Matt Mead's desk.

DNA evidence exonerated Johnson of a 1989 rape conviction. The bill was to provide him compensation.