(1) The clemency and pardons board is established as a board within the office of the governor. The board consists of 10 members appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate.

(2) In making appointments to the board, the governor shall strive to ensure racial, ethnic, geographic, gender, sexual identity, and age diversity. The board membership must include the following:

(a) A person from an underrepresented population with direct lived experience;

(b) A person with lived experience as an incarcerated individual or who has worked with the formerly incarcerated or successful community reentry;

(c) A representative of a faith-based organization or church with interest or experience in successful community reentry;

(d) A person with experience and interest in tribal affairs; and

(e) Two representatives of crime victims.

(3) Board members must attend training related to the principles of racial equity, racism, and restorative justice at least every two years.

(4) Members of the board may serve up to two terms of five years and may continue to serve until their successors are appointed and confirmed. The governor shall stagger the initial terms so that no more than three members are up for appointment in any given year. Board members as of July 27, 2025, may serve the member's remaining term.

(5) The board shall elect a chair from among its members and shall adopt bylaws governing the operation of the board. The chair shall approve training and each member's hearing preparation time as duties authorized for compensation under subsection (6) of this section.

(6) Members of the board shall each receive compensation in accordance with the provisions of RCW 43.03.250, unless waived by the member. All members shall receive travel expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

(7) The attorney general shall provide a staff as needed for the operation of the board.

(8) Each petition for commutation or pardon shall be reviewed by a panel of five board members. The panel membership shall be selected by a random drawing conducted by board staff.

(9) For purposes of this section, "direct lived experience" and "underrepresented population" have the meanings provided for in RCW 43.18A.010.

Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.