New Bill Mandates President's Personal Signature for All Pardons and Reprieves

Okay, let's break down a short but potentially significant bill called the SIGN Pardons Act. The core idea is straightforward: it requires the President of the United States to personally sign every pardon or reprieve granted under their constitutional authority. No stamps, no proxies – the President’s actual signature would have to be on the document.

Putting Pen to Paper: What Changes?

Right now, the Constitution gives the President the power to grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses. This bill adds a specific procedural layer to that power. Section 2 explicitly states that the President "shall personally sign any pardon or reprieve." This isn't about changing who can be pardoned or why, but strictly about the physical act of authorizing it. Think of it as adding a mandatory, personal sign-off step to one of the President's most unique powers.

Accountability Check or Bureaucratic Speed Bump?

The goal seems to be about ensuring direct presidential involvement and accountability for every single pardon or reprieve. Requiring a personal signature emphasizes the weight of the decision and leaves a clear, physical mark of the President's action. However, this could also introduce a practical hurdle. If a President considers numerous pardons, especially towards the end of a term, the requirement for a personal signature on each one could potentially slow down the process. For individuals awaiting a decision on a pardon application, this extra step might mean a longer wait, depending on how the process is managed within the White House.