Public hearing on clemency board expansion draws mixed testimony on composition and standards

The Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1131, a proposal to expand and change procedures for the state's Clemency and Pardons Board. Committee counsel summarized the bill's core provisions and multiple witnesses provided testimony both in support and with reservations.

Lina Langer, counsel to the committee, summarized the bill's principal changes: the board would expand from five to ten members; the governor should strive for diversity in appointments; member terms would increase from four to five years with a two-term limit; members would be eligible for per diem compensation up to $100 per day unless waived; members must receive specified training at least every two years; each petition would be reviewed by a panel of five board members selected by random drawing; the attorney general's office would provide counsel to the board; prosecutors would receive 90 days' advance notice of a scheduled hearing (up from 30); the board must submit an annual report listing persons granted commutation or pardon and any known recidivism;…