Clemency bill awaits Blanco's signature----Law would...

Clemency bill awaits Blanco's signature----Law would reduce chances for lifers A proposed law awaiting Gov. Kathleen Blanco's signature would reduce the opportunities for prisoners serving life sentences to apply for clemency hearings. House Bill 574 has drawn criticism since clearing both chambers. Under the proposal, inmates would be allowed to apply for a Pardon Board hearing in their 15th year in prison, their 22nd year and every 5 years thereafter. Under current law, "lifers" can apply in their 15th year, 21st year, 24th year and every 2 years thereafter. Of the 971 inmates who requested clemency hearings in fiscal 2002-03, the Pardon Board granted 288 hearings, according to that year's executive budget. The board recommended 59 inmates for pardons, and former Gov. Mike Foster approved 25.