Bill > B26-0128

This bill makes two key modifications to existing District of Columbia laws. First, it amends the Clemency Board Establishment Act to provide a new process for waiving the standard 5-year waiting period for clemency applications. Under the new provisions, the Clemency Board may grant a waiver if the Office of the Pardon Attorney or the President of the United States has already provided a waiver, but the Board retains discretion to decline such a request. The Board cannot grant a waiver if the applicant is currently on probation, parole, or supervised release, and it may request additional information from the applicant. The Board must provide a written decision on any waiver request, and the clemency application will be deferred until a waiver determination is made. Second, the bill extends the applicability date of the Second Chance Amendment Act from March 1, 2025, to October 1, 2027. The bill is an emergency act, meaning it will remain in effect for no more than 90 days, and it takes effect upon mayoral approval (or Council override of a potential mayoral veto).

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0128