Governor Gavin Newsom granted 27 pardons and 30 commutations, according to his office. The clemency actions recognized rehabilitation and accountability after conviction.
The grantees were recommended by elected officials, correctional staff including a former prison warden, medical professionals, teachers, and community and faith leaders. The governor weighs numerous factors, including an applicant's self-development since the offense, whether the grant is consistent with public safety, and its impact on the community, including effects on crime victims and survivors.
A pardon acknowledges a grantee's rehabilitation after conviction and successful reintegration into the community, potentially removing barriers to employment and public service while restoring civic rights and responsibilities.
A commutation recognizes an incarcerated person's exceptional post-conviction rehabilitation and modifies a sentence to make the grantee eligible to go before the Board of Parole Hearings at an earlier date. Parole commissioners consider input from crime victims, survivors, and district attorneys when determining whether a person can safely be released into the community on parole. The board has achieved a very low recidivism rate following release.
While in office, Newsom has granted a total of 303 pardons and 199 commutations, and 45 reprieves.