AUSTIN-Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) recently announced he filed SB825 to adjust the grievance period for wrongfully convicted persons to allege prosecutorial misconduct.

The bill allows the statute of limitations to begin on the date on which a wrongfully imprisoned individual is released from a penal institution. It will grant individuals additional time to investigate and gather evidence supporting their grievance. The bill is part of an effort to combat wrongful convictions in Texas in response to the Michael Morton case.

Senator Whitmire stated, “The Michael Morton case is a prime example of the imperfections of our justice system. This is a common-sense policy to advance justice to those who have been wrongfully convicted.”

The new legislation also mandates a public reprimand for violators of the disciplinary rule which requires prosecutors to disclose all known evidence that may mitigate guilt.

“I appreciate Senator Whitmire filing this legislation. This is an important step to ensuring that even when delayed, justice should always be served. As long as somebody is in prison as a result of fraudulent or illegal activity from an over-zealous prosecutor, they shouldn’t have their ability to have their day in court taken from them,” stated Mr. Morton.