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SCA-2 • 2026

Governor: pardons and commutations.

Governor: pardons and commutations.

Crime
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Choi
Last action
2026-03-24
Official status
March 24 set for first hearing. Failed passage in committee. (Ayes 1. Noes 4. Page 3661.) Reconsideration granted.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status indicates it did not pass in committee, but there is no information on which specific relatives are affected.

Governor's Power to Pardon and Commute Sentences

This law aims to restrict the Governor of California from issuing pardons or commutations for certain family members.

What This Bill Does

  • Restricts the Governor’s ability to grant pardons or commutations to specified relatives.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Governor of California
  • Specified relatives who might need a pardon or commutation

Terms To Know

Pardon
A forgiveness for a crime, given by the government.
Commutation
Reducing the punishment of a criminal sentence.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill did not pass in committee and was reconsidered but failed to advance further.
  • Does not specify which relatives are affected.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-24 California Legislative Information

    March 24 set for first hearing. Failed passage in committee. (Ayes 1. Noes 4. Page 3661.) Reconsideration granted.

  2. 2026-03-10 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing March 24.

  3. 2026-01-05 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and E. & C.A.

  4. 2025-02-10 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SCA 2, as introduced, Choi.
Governor: pardons and commutations.
The California Constitution authorizes the Governor to grant a reprieve, pardon, or commutation after sentence has been entered, except as specified.
This measure would prohibit the Governor from granting a pardon or commutation to specified relatives.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
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