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B 26-0558

Clemency Board Waiver Authority Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Brooke Pinto

D.C. grants its Clemency Board temporary authority to waive procedural requirements in clemency applications, potentially expanding access to sentence relief consideration.

Law L26-0124, Effective from May 29, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008623, Expires on Jan 09, 2027
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Bill Summary · B 26-0558

Legislative bill overview

This bill grants the District of Columbia's Clemency Board temporary authority to waive certain procedural or eligibility requirements when considering clemency applications. The legislation became law on March 2, 2026, when signed by the Mayor and assigned Act Number A26-0274.

Why is this important

Clemency processes traditionally involve strict procedural timelines and eligibility criteria. This temporary waiver authority could expand access to clemency consideration for individuals who might otherwise be ineligible due to technical requirements, potentially affecting incarcerated individuals seeking sentence commutations or pardons.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of waiver authority: The bill's language regarding which specific requirements can be waived is unclear from the available information, raising questions about whether the board could waive substantive eligibility standards versus purely procedural ones
  • Duration and oversight: As a "temporary" measure, the bill's sunset date and any oversight mechanisms for how waivers are exercised remain undefined in the summary information
  • Due process concerns: Waiving procedural safeguards could raise fairness questions about whether applicants receive consistent treatment or whether waivers might be applied unevenly

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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