In Rhode Island, a pardon to relieve a person of their past criminal convictions can only be granted by the Governor (with consent of the State Senate). Unlike other states, there is NO formal application process or eligibility requirements. This lack of process explains why the last pardon issued in RI was over 20 years ago!

House Bill #7638 would establish the ‘State Commission of Pardons’. The commission would be responsible for developing an application process to be considered for a pardon in addition to nominating applicants seeking a pardon to the Governor.