District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act

# District of Columbia Clemency Home Rule Act (HR 5698) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would give the District of Columbia the authority to grant clemency (pardons and sentence commutations) to people convicted of crimes in DC's local court system. Currently, only the President can grant federal pardons, and DC's local government lacks independent clemency powers that most U.S. states possess. This bill would allow DC to establish its own clemency process for local (non-federal) crimes. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects DC residents convicted of local crimes and the District's government.

It relates to the broader question of DC's self-governance, since states typically have the power to grant clemency but DC, as a federal territory rather than a state, does not. The change would not affect federal crimes or federal prisoners. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet advanced for a full House vote. It was introduced by DC's non-voting representative, Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who regularly sponsors legislation aimed at expanding DC's autonomy. The bill has not been enacted into law.