Clemency is rare Kansas; advocates hope for change

(AP) Kansas trails most states in how frequently clemency is applied for and granted, but advocates are hoping that will change under Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the eight she issued last week were the most in at least 15 years. Five were commutations, which reduce or eliminate a sentence altogether. The other three were pardons, which effectively wipe away a prior conviction, enabling applicants to apply for professional licenses or permanent residency. Most of the crimes occurred years prior, were non-violent drug offenses or, in some cases, fell into both categories.