Committee approves changing Pardons and Paroles confirmation timetable to align with session

Judiciary · January 28, 2026

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Summary

An amendment aligning Board of Pardons and Paroles appointment/confirmation timing from June to February passed; the committee approved the bill as amended to avoid lengthy vacancies and to avoid cutting current members' confirmed terms.

The Judiciary committee considered a bill to change the Board of Pardons and Paroles confirmation timeline so appointments and confirmations align with the legislative session. Griff Waller, representing Pardons and Paroles, told the panel the change moves confirmation and appointment timelines from June to February to make the process seamless and reduce the length of vacancies.

Waller said the amendment before the committee ensures the change would not cut short terms of currently confirmed members and adds approximately eight months to protect confirmed members’ tenure. Senators asked how many board members currently serve; Waller said there were two due to a recent vacancy and that other appointments were pending.

The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a favorable report. Senators said aligning confirmation timing will allow appointments to be processed while the Legislature is in session, reducing the duration of vacant seats on the board.