A proposed bill in the Arkansas Senate Judiciary Committee aims to streamline the pardon application process by allowing the governor to deny applications "with prejudice" for the duration of their term. This means that if a pardon is denied, applicants cannot reapply until the governor's term ends, which could be four or eight years depending on re-election.

The bill addresses a significant backlog in the governor's office, where repeated applications for pardons and commutations have created delays. Currently, applicants face a two-year waiting period after a denial before they can reapply. The new measure seeks to reduce this backlog by preventing multiple applications from the same individual during a governor's term.

Senator Rice raised questions about the implications of the bill, particularly regarding the length of time a denial would remain in effect. The bill's supporters argue that it will help prioritize cases that may deserve consideration, as the current system often becomes overwhelmed with repeat filings.

While the bill does not alter the existing criteria for pardons, it aims to create a more efficient process for handling applications. The committee's discussions highlight the ongoing challenges within the state's judicial system and the need for reforms to improve efficiency and fairness in the pardon process.