Committee approves rule change adding felony domestic violence and attempted strangulation to 15-year pardon waiting period; Commission leaders present

The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved a rule docket to update the Commission of Pardons and Parole’s application timeline, adding felony domestic violence and attempted strangulation to the list of crimes for which a person must wait at least 15 years before applying for a pardon, the committee record shows.

The change implements statutory language from House Bill 600 (2024) and was presented by Executive Director Christine Starr. Starr told the committee the rule amendment clarifies the Commission’s interpretation after the Idaho Supreme Court’s 2020 Winkler decision, which affects how pardons are treated for penalty enhancements. Starr explained the rule file is intended to update section 550.01(c) to match the statute and to specify that convictions under the cited domestic violence statute and attempted strangulation require the longer wait before applying for a pardon.

"I am humbled and honored by Governor Little's appointment and your consideration today," Executive Director Christine…