Marvin “Slush” Gross Way Designation Act of 2025
If enacted, this bill will facilitate the process for applicants seeking clemency by providing a mechanism for expedited review of waiver requests. It emphasizes conditions under which the Clemency Board can exercise discretion in granting waivers. This change is anticipated to reduce the waiting period barriers for individuals who may otherwise struggle to obtain a pardon due to the lengthy requirements established by the previous law.
B26-0242, titled the 'Clemency Board Waiver Authority Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025', proposes an emergency change to the Clemency Board Establishment Act of 2018. This amendment allows the Clemency Board of the District of Columbia to waive the five-year waiting period for applicants seeking a pardon. The bill outlines specific criteria under which the board may grant this waiver, including receiving notice from the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
There are several notable considerations within the discussions around B26-0242, particularly regarding the conditions under which waivers can be granted. Critics may argue that the discretion provided to the Clemency Board could lead to inconsistent applications of policy, potentially disadvantaging certain applicants. Moreover, there are concerns about ensuring due process for all applicants, especially those still under probation, parole, or supervised release, as these conditions are explicitly stated in the bill to deny waivers.