CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · H.R. 5698· House(119-HR-5698)

District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act

Rep. Norton
Age: 89 years
District of Columbia
Introduced
10/6/2025
Last activity
10/6/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sponsored by
Eleanor Norton
Cosponsors
None
Crime and Law Enforcement
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is known as the "District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act." It aims to change how clemency is handled for crimes committed under the laws of the District of Columbia. Under this act, the authority to grant clemency would be exercised by people under the terms and conditions set by the laws enacted by the District of Columbia. The bill defines clemency as including pardons, reprieves, commutations of sentence, or remission of fines and financial penalties. It also clarifies that this does not affect the authority exercised by the President or the Mayor of the District of Columbia prior to any new laws being enacted.

Yes· 3 of 5

  • Does this leave more decisions to the states?+7

    The bill transfers the authority to dictate the terms and conditions of clemency from federal control to the local laws of the District of Columbia.

  • Would people in cities be better off under this?+5

    The bill empowers residents of the District of Columbia by allowing local lawmakers to control the clemency process for local crimes.

  • Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+5

    The bill allows the District of Columbia to establish its own terms for commutations of sentences and remissions of fines.

The opposite

  • Does this give the federal government more power?-4

    The bill reduces the federal government's unilateral control over clemency for crimes committed under District of Columbia laws.