The Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026 requires the President to publish a written explanation of the reasons for granting any pardon, commutation, reprieve, or fine remission in the Federal Register and on the President's official website on the date the clemency is issued. The bill also establishes new requirements for the Pardon Attorney to prepare a Justice Impact Statement within 30 days of learning about a potential clemency grant, which must include efforts to contact crime victims, their written statements, and input from the Attorney General and law enforcement agencies about the impact on investigations or prosecutions. Additionally, the legislation expands lobbying disclosure rules to require anyone lobbying for a presidential pardon or commutation to register within two days of first making contact and to file reports on clemency-related lobbying activities. The Pardon Attorney must also conduct compliance studies every two years and report findings to Congress by April 1st of each year. The bill affects the President's clemency process, the Department of Justice, crime victims, and any individuals or organizations seeking to influence pardon decisions.
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