SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam championed a new law that will expand access to the Grant Program for Exonerated Persons that will now allow unused program benefits to be passed on to a child or spouse.

“Supporting access to education is crucial, as it expands opportunities to improve the future of people within our community,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Wrongful convictions impact not only the individual, but also their families and loved ones. It is imperative that we look for ways to support them as well.”

This law expands options for unused parts of grants for exonerated individuals that have been awarded – giving access to the person’s child or spouse. The grant provides funding to cover the cost of obtaining high school, undergraduate or graduate degrees for up to the equivalent of four regular school years.

Additionally, it allows for the exonerated grant recipients to use their awards at any private, non-for-profit college or university in the state that is approved to participate in the Monetary Award Program beginning in the 2025-2026 academic school year.

“Finishing and furthering education for those who have been impacted by a wrongful conviction can be a challenge,” said Villivalam. “By now extending unused funding of these grants to dependents or spouses, we are ensuring that everyone has access to a quality education.”

Senate Bill 3771 was signed by the governor on Friday, and takes effect Jan 1. 2025.