Nebraska-Pardon

The governor and high officials (secretary of state and attorney general) act as a pardon board, which receives nonbinding advice from the parole board.  Eligibility begins 10 years following completion of sentence for felonies and three years for misdemeanors.  Until 2018, public hearings were held at regular intervals, and grants issued, a schedule that the board intends to resume in 2020.  Reasons for approval or denial generally not given.  A pardon restores civil rights, the right to hold certain occupational and professional licenses, and firearms rights (if expressly granted).  As of 2018, pardoned convictions may be sealed.  Until recently, pardoning has been frequent and regular: between 2002 and 2017 an average of 80 pardons granted each year, about 25% with firearms privileges, about 60% of applicants are granted.  It is expected that this practice will resume in 2020.