Bills · S 256
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 256Licensing and registrationsPresidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 25· LAST ACTION JAN 25
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to make the presidential pardon process more transparent and accountable. Currently, presidents are not legally required to explain their clemency decisions, which can lead to questions about fairness, influence, or political motivations. By requiring a public statement of reasons, the bill would give voters a clear understanding of the basis for each pardon or commutation.
It also addresses concerns about potential undue influence by special interests, as it would significantly tighten lobbying disclosure rules specifically for clemency requests. If this bill becomes law, it would provide a structured way for victims' voices to be heard and for law enforcement concerns to be considered before a clemency decision is made, which could impact public trust in the justice system. If it doesn't become law, the presidential pardon process would remain largely opaque, with no formal requirement for public justification or victim input, and lobbying efforts for clemency would continue under existing, less stringent disclosure rules.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the President to publish a written explanation for any grant of executive clemency (like a pardon or commutation) on the day it is made.
This provision increases transparency by requiring the President to publicly justify clemency decisions, providing a clearer understanding for the public.
PROVISION 02
Requires the Pardon Attorney to prepare a "Justice Impact Statement" for potential clemency grants, which must include victim input and the views of law enforcement officials.
This ensures that the perspectives of victims and law enforcement are formally considered and documented before a clemency decision is made.
PROVISION 03
Amends existing lobbying law to require lobbyists seeking executive clemency to register and report their activities within 2 days of making contact, regardless of the amount of money involved.
This provision aims to increase transparency around who is advocating for pardons and how, making such efforts public almost immediately.
PROVISION 04
Requires Department of Justice and Executive Office employees to immediately inform the Pardon Attorney when the President is considering a clemency grant.
This helps ensure the Pardon Attorney can promptly begin preparing the required Justice Impact Statement, making the process more thorough.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Connecticut
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
127
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 25
Introduced in Senate
JAN 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 256
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 25, 2025
Last actionJan 25, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 25, 2025
Senate BillS 256Licensing and registrationsPresidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 25, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 25, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
