Yes, commission meetings are open to the public. If sensitive or confidential information will be discussed, part of the meeting may be closed. If you have with questions about attending a specific meeting, please see our meetings page or call our office.
The Clemency Review Commission hears one application for a pardon or commutation at a time. Each applicant will have a few minutes to tell the Commission why they are a good candidate for a commutation or pardon. Sometimes the applicant will attend with one or two people that speak in support of their application. If there is a victim, the victim may also speak at the hearing. The Commission will have ask questions and then each member will recommend whether to grant of deny the pardon or commutation request.
After the hearing, the Commission’s recommendation will be sent to the Board of Pardons. The Board meets two times per year and makes the final decision to grant or deny each pardon or commutation request. If at least two of the three Board members, including the governor, vote in favor of the pardon or 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.
The Commission and Board meetings follow the Open Meeting law. The meeting location, date, time, agenda, and link are posted on the website before the meetings. The meetings will also be streamed live online. Commission staff will make a report to the legislature every year of the final decisions of the Board.
