Wrongful conviction; remove limit on damages when court finds.

HB 681 would remove the $50,000-per-year cap on damages for Mississippi residents wrongfully convicted and incarcerated, replacing it with unlimited compensation based on the court's finding of innocence. It requires proof of innocence through a pardon stating innocence or reversal of conviction (e.g., dismissal, new trial acquittal), excluding pre-indictment detention. The bill also maintains attorney fee provisions (up to 25% of the award) and specifies damages won't be subject to taxes or civil lawsuit caps. This bill died in committee in February 2026 and remains pending.