This bill requires the President to be more transparent and accountable when granting pardons, commutations, or other forms of clemency. Whenever the President grants clemency to someone, they must publish a written explanation of their reasons in the Federal Register and on the White House website on the same day the clemency is granted.

The bill also creates new responsibilities for the Pardon Attorney (a Justice Department official). When the Pardon Attorney learns that the President is considering clemency for someone, they must prepare a "Justice Impact Statement" within 30 days. This statement must include efforts to contact crime victims so they can submit their views, and it must gather opinions from the Attorney General, law enforcement officials, and others about how the clemency might affect ongoing investigations or prosecutions. Victims have the right to submit written statements that will be included in this report.

Additionally, the bill requires anyone who lobbies the President or their staff about a potential pardon to register as a lobbyist and report their activities within 2 days. This closes a loophole where people could lobby for pardons without disclosing it. Finally, the Pardon Attorney must study compliance with these new rules every two years and report findings to Congress.