The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons is making it easier for individuals to earn a second chance, by launching a fully online application for clemency, as well as a new Spanish-language application, developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience Pennsylvania.

“After hearing from nearly 1,500 pardon applicants over the past two-plus years, I’ve seen how many of these folks have worked hard to turn their lives around, make amends and are now contributing positively to their communities,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who serves as chair of the Board of Pardons. “They’re fathers, mothers, aunts and uncles – and many of them have earned a second chance and a clean slate moving forward. At the Board of Pardons, we’ve been working hard, too, to make the clemency application process more transparent and more accessible, and today’s announcement is the culmination of months of work across our Administration.”

Individuals can apply for clemency at this link.

“The online application is a significant milestone for CODE PA and the Board of Pardons as we work together to modernize the office and make the process more accessible, streamlined, and empathetic,” said Bry Pardoe, Executive Director of CODE PA. “The goal of every CODE PA project is to make getting what you need from the Commonwealth faster and easier, and we’re proud to support the Board of Pardons in helping more people pursue this potentially life-changing second chance opportunity.”

The Board is also making behind-the-scenes updates that will streamline processing applications, including using AI to analyze hand-written applications, which were previously retyped by staffers.

“In my experience, individuals can unfortunately face barriers to submitting an application such as not being able to print documents or not being able to mail the application for submission,” said Megan Reinprecht, staff attorney for Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. “An online application will help some individuals overcome these barriers and make the process more accessible.”

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