Illinois-Pardon

The governor decides and is authorized (but not required) to consult with the prisoner review board, which holds public hearings quarterly and provides confidential recommendations to the governor.  No eligibility restrictions.  Pardon relieves all legal disabilities and authorizes expungement if pardon expressly provides.  Board hears about 800 applications each year, 30% from people with misdemeanors.  The past several governors have pardoned frequently and regularly pursuant to recommendations from the PRB.  In 2019, the governor used his pardon power to authorize expungement of more than 11,000 marijuana convictions, pursuant to statutory authorization.