Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
StateDistrict of ColumbiaHearing Scheduled
B 260038: Clemency Board Waiver Authority Amendment Act of 2025
Phil Mendelson
B 260038 status: Hearing Scheduled — Public Hearing on B26-0038 (updated Sep 23, 2026).
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
Low
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
70OUT OF 100
Score:70/100 civic fit
Risk:Low Risk
Impact:Moderate Impact 45/100
Constitutionality85%
Bipartisan70%
Public opinion75%
Bill summary
The **Clemency Board Waiver Authority Amendment Act** is a proposed law in Washington, D.C. Currently, the Board that reviews requests for pardons or reduced prison sentences has very strict rules that can block people from applying. This law would give the Board the power to bend those rules in certain cases, making it easier for more people to get their request heard and potentially receive a second chance.
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Society
Positive outlook
75%
Benefits
- Easier access to clemency applications
- Expanded opportunities for second chances
- Reduction of rigid procedural barriers
Risks
- Potential for application backlogs
- Subjective waiver criteria
- Undefined waiver thresholds
Technology Industry
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Civic Accountability
Positive outlook
65%
Benefits
- Increased Board administrative autonomy
- Improved responsiveness to petitioner circumstances
- Reduced rigidity in rule enforcement
Risks
- Risk of opaque waiver decision-making
- Vague standards for qualifying cases
- Potential for arbitrary waiver application
Public Health & Safety
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
Lack of defined standards for waiver eligibility may lead to inconsistent application of the new authority.
Analysis scope
Source provided is a brief summary only
04
Where it stands
Official record- IntroducedComplete
- CommitteeCurrent
- Chamber votesUpcoming
- Final agreementUpcoming
- GovernorUpcoming
- EnactedUpcoming
05
How it affects your district
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06
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