The final piece of legislation passed by the State House on Crossover Day would compensate a Columbus man $400,000 for his wrongful conviction for armed robbery in 1999.

Lathan Word had spent 11 years in prison when he was granted a re-trial for poor legal representation.

Instead of being offer a plea deal and time served, Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) says Word wanted to clear his name and stand trial for a second time.

Before that happened, the victim, who had since been convicted of murder, came forward and admitted he had lied.

"We cannot replace almost 12 years of lost liberty," she says.  "This compensation will only assist Mr. Word to re-establish himself as a citizen in today's society."

House members applauded as the measure passed 97-58.  It must now be voted on in the Senate.