Bill · H.R. 9860· House(119-HR-9860)
Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Dave Min
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency regarding presidential pardons and executive clemency. It requires the President to publish a written explanation for any grant of clemency in the Federal Register and on the official White House website. The bill also mandates that the Pardon Attorney prepare a Justice Impact Statement that includes victim input and law enforcement opinions. Furthermore, it establishes new lobbying disclosure requirements for individuals attempting to influence executive clemency decisions. Finally, the Pardon Attorney is tasked with conducting regular studies to ensure compliance with these new rules.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
The bill mandates that the President publish a written explanation for any grant of clemency in the Federal Register and on the official White House website.
Does this change how police departments operate?+3
The bill requires the Pardon Attorney to determine the opinions of law enforcement officials regarding potential clemency impacts on ongoing investigations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Transparency for the Public: Under Section 3, the President must publish a written explanation for any grant of executive clemency. This provides the public with the reasons behind these significant presidential actions.
-
Giving Victims a Voice: Section 4(c)(1) and (2) requires the Pardon Attorney to make reasonable efforts to inform crime victims and determine their opinions regarding potential clemency grants. This ensures that those affected by a crime have their perspectives considered.
-
Protecting Investigations: Section 4(c)(3) allows the Pardon Attorney to determine the opinions of law enforcement officials regarding how a potential grant might impact ongoing investigations or prosecutions.
-
Greater Accountability for Lobbying: Section 5 amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act to require that individuals or organizations engaged in lobbying for executive clemency must register and file reports. This brings more visibility to those attempting to influence the pardon process.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Administrative Burdens on the Department of Justice: Section 4 requires the Pardon Attorney to prepare a Justice Impact Statement for any potential grant of executive clemency, which includes contacting victims and gathering opinions from various law enforcement officials.
-
New Requirements for Lobbyists: Section 5(b) and (c) requires lobbyists involved in clemency matters to register and file reports within two days of a contact or being retained, regardless of the amount of income or expenses involved.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+3
- 7/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia