Justice Seeks Feedback on Making Pardon Applications Less Painful
Published Date: 10/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney wants to update its pardon application process to make it easier and clearer for people applying after finishing their sentences. They’re asking for public feedback over the next 60 days to help improve the forms and reduce hassle. This update aims to save time and keep things running smoothly without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Revision of Pardon Application Form
The Department of Justice's Office of the Pardon Attorney is submitting a revision to the information collection titled "Application for Pardon After Completion of Sentence." This revised collection will be used by applicants seeking a presidential pardon and is a currently approved collection being revised for OMB review.
Estimated Time Burden for Applicants
The Office estimates that 500 to 1,000 applicants will complete the pardon petition annually, each taking an average of 180 minutes to respond, resulting in an estimated total public burden of 1,500 to 3,000 hours per year.
Information Use and Interagency Notices
Information collected will be used to verify applicants' identities, to investigate applicants' backgrounds, criminal records, and conduct since conviction, and to provide notice to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorneys' Offices, U.S. Probation Offices, and federal courts in the event of grants of executive clemency.
60-Day Public Comment and Minimizing Burden
The DOJ is soliciting public comments for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register and asks for feedback on ways to minimize respondent burden, including permitting electronic submission of responses.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority
If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!
2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act
The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.
2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
2026-15458, Civil Money Penalty for Actions in Contempt of an Immigration Judge's Proper Exercise of Authority
This notice of proposed rulemaking ("NPRM") would implement a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA" or "the Act") that authorizes Immigration Judges, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, to sanction by civil money penalty any action (or inaction) in contempt of the proper exercise of their authority by certain individuals. The rule would: define the scope of the contempt authority; provide procedures for contempt findings, penalty determinations, and penalty payment; establish an appellate process; and implement oversight of the use of contempt authority. The rule would also make conforming changes to the grounds for practitioner discipline.
2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21527, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in November 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings affect researchers and small businesses seeking funding for scientific projects, especially in biophysics, immunology, neurodegenerative disorders, and anti-infective therapies. No public access is allowed to protect private and sensitive information, but these reviews help decide who gets research money.
Next: 2026-21529, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; The Ocean Enterprise: A Study of US Business Activity in Ocean Measurement, Observation and Forecasting
NOAA is continuing a fun and important web survey to learn about U.S. businesses that work with ocean data and technology. About 250 companies will spend just 24 minutes sharing info to help show how ocean measurement and forecasting support the economy. This survey happens regularly to track growth and keep the ocean enterprise thriving, with no extra cost to participants.