Senate Bill 26-003

This bill establishes a standardized clemency application and review process for pardons, commutations, and reprieves in the State of San Andreas. The bill creates a simplified application system allowing individuals to request clemency through a written letter submitted via the Department of Corrections, eliminating procedural and financial barriers. Upon receipt, the Department of Law assigns a state-employed Pardon Attorney to conduct a neutral and comprehensive review, gathering relevant case history, background information, evidence of rehabilitation, and public safety considerations to ensure decisions are based on a complete factual record.

The bill clarifies that clemency is an executive function grounded in equity and is not a substitute for judicial review of legal errors. Applications involving constitutional or procedural defects are redirected to the courts, preserving separation of powers. For eligible cases, the Pardon Attorney submits a full recommendation to the Governor, who retains sole constitutional authority to grant or deny relief. The bill also provides for applicant notification, limited public transparency, and rulemaking authority to ensure consistent implementation of the clemency process.