Bill would double Clemency and Pardons Board membership and add training and reporting requirements

The Senate Human Services Committee took testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1131, which would expand the Clemency and Pardons Board from five to ten members, extend term length, require training and annual reporting, and modify several procedural requirements for pardons and commutations.

Will Tronson, committee staff, summarized the bill. He said the governor currently has constitutional authority to pardon state convictions and that the Clemency and Pardons Board—established within the governor’s office—now consists of five governor‑appointed members who serve four‑year terms. House Bill 1131 would expand the board to ten members, change terms to five years with a two‑term limit, and allow per‑diem compensation up to $100 per day (which a member may waive). The bill would also require the governor to ensure diversity in appointments and require board members to…