Washington state Clemency and Pardons Board will be expanded

Washington's Clemency and Pardons Board will expand its membership from five to ten and allow members to earn up to $100 a day, addressing a significant backlog of clemency requests. Legal director Jennie Pasquarella highlighted that applicants have faced wait times of multiple years for hearings, a stark contrast to the previous months-long process. Rep. Roger Goodman, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the need for mid-sentence review mechanisms to facilitate potential releases. The new board will feature diverse representation, including an incarcerated individual, a faith-based representative, and a member from a crime victim organization.

Additionally, the board may expedite hearings for individuals facing deportation, although this is not a requirement. Governor Bob Ferguson issued a partial veto to ensure that funding is secured before implementation. The state allocated $416,000 for the board's expansion, but further funding for staffing is needed. The law allows the governor to initiate the appointment process for new members starting in late July.