OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1131 into to law Tuesday, making transformative changes to Washington’s Clemency and Pardons Board (CPB). The CPB reviews applications and makes consequential recommendations to the Governor on granting executive commutations, pardons, and restorations of rights for individuals previously convicted of a legal offense.
“Any decision to pardon an individual or commute a sentence must, of course, be made with great care,” said Ferguson during the signing. “This bill ensures we center important perspectives and improve the board’s ability to hear clemency petitions in a timely manner.”
HB 1131 expands the CPB from five to ten members, broadens the type of experience board members should have, provides more training for members, and increases compensation for board members.
Sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, the new law also changes the standard of review for the board from “extraordinary” to “in the interest of justice” to align with a judicial standard.
“Many people within Washington’s prisons are waiting nearly a year or more for an opportunity to be heard and share how they have changed their lives for the better,” said Goodman. “This law will increase the board’s capacity and expertise so it can clear the backlog, review more applications, and ensure our criminal justice system is focused on justice.”
With these changes, the law is estimated to help the board to review an estimated four times as many petitions on an annual basis. The bill also allows the Board to consider expedited review for community members that could face a deportation hearing.
The board must now include:
- a person from an underrepresented community with direct lived experience in the criminal justice system
- a person with lived experience as an incarcerated individual or who has worked with the formerly incarcerated or successful community reentry
- a representative of a faith-based organization or church with interest or experience in successful community reentry
- a person with experience and interest in tribal affairs
- two representatives of crime victims
“The CPB has a stellar record for review and it’s recommendations are widely respected,” said Goodman. “I was happy to work with community advocates to push this legislation forward and bring much needed support for the CPB so it can be even more effective and efficient.”