The "Clemency Board Waiver Authority Amendment Act of 2025" is a proposed emergency legislation aimed at amending the Clemency Board Establishment Act of 2018. This amendment seeks to grant the Clemency Board of the District of Columbia the authority to waive the five-year waiting period for applicants seeking a pardon, provided that the applicant has already received a waiver from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the President. The current law requires applicants to wait five years after their release from confinement or conviction before applying for clemency, which mirrors the DOJ's requirements. However, the Board lacks the authority to grant similar waivers, which could lead to the ineligibility of applicants who have already been considered by the DOJ.

The resolution emphasizes the urgency of this amendment, as several applications are pending that could be negatively impacted if the Board cannot grant waivers. The proposed legislation would allow the Board to consider waiver requests when the DOJ has already granted a waiver, ensuring that eligible applicants are not unjustly denied the opportunity for clemency. The financial implications of the amendment are minimal, as existing staff can manage the review of waiver requests without requiring additional resources. The Mayor has urged the Council to act promptly on this legislation to facilitate the clemency process for affected individuals.