Criminal procedure: pardons.
The reforms proposed by AB 2845 are significant as they aim to streamline and expedite the process for individuals seeking rehabilitative relief. By allowing for urgent reviews, the bill addresses situations where individuals may have imminent legal crises, such as deportation orders, highlighting a more responsive and humane approach to criminal justice. Furthermore, the requirement for certificates of rehabilitation to be reviewed within a year promotes timely decisions that can change lives and help reintegrate individuals into society.
Assembly Bill No. 2845, known as the Pardon and Commutation Reform Act of 2018, seeks to amend existing laws surrounding the processes for obtaining pardons and certificates of rehabilitation in California. The bill enhances the authority of the Governor and the Board of Parole Hearings by allowing them to act outside of the standard application timelines. Specifically, it permits the board to recommend pardons at any time and grants the Governor the authority to request investigations into potential candidates for pardons or commutations whenever necessary.
The sentiment surrounding AB 2845 is predominantly positive, particularly among advocacy groups focused on criminal justice reform and rehabilitation. Supporters argue that these changes reform an outdated system and support the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Conversely, some concerns were raised about the implications of potentially less rigorous investigation processes, which could inadvertently lessen accountability.
A notable point of contention is the balance between a streamlined process and the necessary scrutiny that should accompany decisions related to pardons. Critics express that while expedited processes can aid those in dire circumstances, they might also lead to hasty decisions that overlook important considerations in individual cases. The bill's structure aims to maintain these checks and balances, but the effectiveness of these reforms in practice remains a critical area for ongoing scrutiny.