The Clemency Review Commission is a group with nine members. Each member of the Board of Pardons chooses three people for the Commission.
The Clemency Review Commission is now the first group to review and hear applications and requests for waivers. Previously, all applications went straight to the Board of Pardons after being processed by staff.
The Commission must meet at least four times per year. At commission meetings, the Commission will hear applications for pardons and commutations, and will make recommendations to the Board on whether to approve or deny those applications. The Commission will also review and vote on requests for a waiver of the initial waiting period and requests to reapply early after a denial.
The Board of Pardons will meet at least two times per year to consider the recommendations of the Clemency Review Commission, hold additional hearings if necessary, and make final decisions relating to pardons, commutations, waivers, and reapplication requests.
Previously, pardons and commutations would only be granted if the Board unanimously voted to grant clemency. Under the new process, if at least two of the three Board members, including the governor, vote in favor of your commutation, it will be granted. If the governor votes no or is the only Board member who votes yes, the pardon or commutation will be denied.