Clemency Board May Consider Steps to Restore Ex-Felons Civil Rights

Clemency Board May Consider Steps to Restore Ex-Felons Civil Rights More Quickly, Easily

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The state clemency board soon may consider steps that would more easily and quickly restore civil rights to ex-felons, Florida's attorney general said Wednesday.
"If you believe somebody has paid their debt to society and you believe in forgiveness, then wouldn't that be appropriate?" Charlie Crist said. "It's got to be sort of a progressional thing, but I think we do need to progress."

Florida is one of just seven states where convicted felons are permanently barred from voting, holding office, getting a license for many occupations or exercising other rights that can only be restored through an arduous clemency process.

Gov. Jeb Bush, who sits on the board along with Crist and two other politicians, said he hopes some recommendations will be made before their December meeting.

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