Committee backs claims bill that includes large exoneration award

The Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee on May 6 recommended House File 5074, as amended, for placement on the general register, approving payments the committee said resolve several tort and exoneration claims against the state.

Representative Friedrich, who presented the bill, told the committee that the claims subcommittee’s purpose "is to see oversee any tort claims against the state," and that the bulk of this bill reflects three claims tied to people who "serve time and should not have," including "the longest exoneration that we have seen before the subcommittee" involving an individual incarcerated for nearly 20 years.

Nonpartisan staff had earlier summarized the budget context, saying the amendment adjusts total spending to reflect bills before the committee, including the human services finance bill and a payment portal bill. After brief discussion and expressions of support from members who said the cases demonstrated the state’s responsibility to redress wrongs, the committee accepted amendment 826 to HF5074 and approved the measure by voice vote.

Cochair Torkelson recommended approval of the minutes earlier in the session; committee members emphasized that while monetary payments cannot return lost years, they show a governmental effort to make redress when the state’s systems fail.

The committee’s action sends the amended HF5074 forward in the legislative process to the general register. No roll-call vote was recorded for the referral; chairs handled the motion and voice vote on the floor of the committee.

The committee adjourned after completing its agenda and previewing a possible noon meeting the next day.