The Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act requires the President to publicly explain in writing why each pardon, commutation, or other act of executive clemency is being granted, with these explanations published in the Federal Register and on the President's official website on the same day the clemency is issued. The bill also requires the Justice Department's Pardon Attorney to prepare a "Justice Impact Statement" within 30 days of learning about any potential clemency grant, which must include efforts to contact crime victims, gather their views, and assess impacts on ongoing investigations or prosecutions. Additionally, the legislation expands lobbying disclosure requirements by requiring anyone hired to lobby on potential pardons to register within two days of their first pardon-related contact and file reports within two days of any such lobbying activity. Finally, the bill directs the Pardon Attorney to conduct biennial compliance studies and report findings to Congress beginning one year after enactment, with no specific funding amount specified in the legislation.
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