House passes bill on clemency powers
The Associated Press | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 3 months AGO
HELENA (AP) — The House has passed a bill that would allow the governor of Montana to grant clemency to prisoners even if the state parole board recommends against it.
House Bill 43 passed by an 88-12 vote on Friday.
Under the measure, the governor would assume final authority over clemency requests from people convicted of crimes. The governor also would be able to waive fines, lessen a sentence or pardon someone.
Bill sponsor Rep. Margie McDonald of Billings says 39 states operate in this manner. The board has come under increased scrutiny after inmate complaints about inconsistent decisions.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
MORE IMPORTED STORIES
ARTICLES BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Latest: US helped family escape Afghanistan overland
WASHINGTON — The United States is confirming for the first time that it has helped a U.S. citizen and family members to escape Afghanistan through an overland route to a neighboring country.
The Latest: US helped family escape Afghanistan overland
WASHINGTON — The United States is confirming for the first time that it has helped a U.S. citizen and family members to escape Afghanistan through an overland route to a neighboring country.
The Latest: Top Republican says Taliban holding Americans
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee says some Americans who have been trying to get out of Afghanistan since the U.S. military left are sitting in airplanes at an airport ready to leave but the Taliban are not letting them take off.