China's top legislature on Thursday began group review of an amendment to the state compensation law, which, if approved, will expand the coverage of compensation.

One may seek compensation if he is found innocent even when his arrest is made under legal procedures, according to the draft, which is under the second reading by the ninth session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from Monday to Saturday.

The current law, however, stipulates that compensation will only be considered when the arrest procedure is illegal.

However, no compensation would be due to those who receive administrative punishment for illegal acts that are initially considered crimes, according to the draft.

State organs should decide on compensation claims within two months after receiving appeals. Those who claim compensation but are not satisfied with the result could appeal to supervisory departments, according to the draft.

The state compensation law was approved by the NPC in May 1994 and took effect in 1995.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2009)