Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7638

Introduced
2/15/24  

Caption

Establishes a nine (9) member commission on pardons to provide recommendations to the governor as to who should receive executive pardons per the state constitution.

Impact

If enacted, H7638 will significantly impact the state's criminal justice system by providing a structured approach toward pardons. It is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in how pardons are granted, thereby potentially increasing the number of individuals who successfully navigate the pardon process. The composition of the commission, which includes representatives from various legal and community backgrounds, suggests an intention to incorporate diverse perspectives in the decision-making process. Additionally, this could lead to a more equitable consideration of pardon applications, particularly for individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation.

Summary

House Bill H7638 proposes the establishment of a nine-member commission on pardons in the state of Rhode Island. This commission will be granted the authority to evaluate applications for executive pardons and make recommendations to the governor based on its findings. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the commission, which include creating eligibility standards for applicants, documenting necessary submissions, and defining the process for appeal in the event of a denial. The implementation of this commission aims to formalize and streamline the pardon application process, ensuring that individuals seeking pardon have a clear pathway for their requests.

Contention

Notably, the establishment of the commission may not come without contention. Critics may argue about the composition of the commission and the criteria set for eligibility, fearing it may limit or politicize the pardon process. There could also be broader debates on the role of pardons in criminal justice reform and discussions on whether the commission can adequately address disparities in the current system. As public discourse around criminal justice continues to evolve, H7638 could become a pivotal piece of legislation that both reflects and influences national conversations regarding rehabilitation and reintegration of former offenders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6422

House Resolution Creating A Legislative Study Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Mandated Safety Protocols For Rhode Island Schools (creates A 21 Member Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Mandated Safety Protocols For Ri Schools, And Who Would Report Back To The House By February 28, 2024, And Expire On April 30, 2024.)

RI H6342

House Resolution Creating A Legislative Study Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Proper Forest Management For Fire Prevention (creates A 12 Member Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Proper Forest Management For Fire Prevention, And Who Would Report Back To The House By February 28, 2024, And Expire On April 30, 2024.)

RI H5189

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)

RI H5224

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations Pertaining To Services And Coordination Of State Programs Relating To Older Adult Rhode Islanders (creates A 16 Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Services And The Coordination Of State Programs For Older Adult Rhode Islanders, And Report Back By May 7, 2024, And Expire On August, 2024.)

RI S1004

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Improving The Pawtucket Corridor (creates A Thirteen (13) Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Improving The Pawtucket Corridor, And Reports Back To The President Of The Senate On Or Before May 7, 2024, And Expires On June 7, 2024.)

RI H5424

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For The Development And Implementation Of An Anti-littering Education Program For Rhode Island Public Elementary School Students (creates A 9 Member Commission To Study And Make Recommendations For The Development And Implementation Of An Anti-littering Program For Students, Who Would Report Back By February 2, 2024, And Expire On April 2, 2024.)

RI S0147

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)

RI H5727

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Safeguard Rhode Island Against Nuclear Weapons (this Resolution Creates An Eleven (11) Member Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendation To Safeguard Rhode Island Against Nuclear Weapons.)

RI S1126

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

RI H6496

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

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