BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A state senator from Merritt Island says he'll help a man convicted of murder get a payout from the state.

Last November, William Dillion walked out of jail after 27 years behind bars. He was released because a judge granted him a new trial based on DNA evidence, but so much time had passed the state didn't want to re-try the case.

Currently, Dillion is not eligible for compensation through Florida's "Wrongful Incarceration Act," because he has a previous conviction on his record.

Senator Mark Haridpolos says he will sponsor a bill that would help Dillion get more than $1.3 million.