NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Governor Bill Lee spent Friday morning calling the families of 43 people across Tennessee with the news that they have been granted executive clemency .
Those granted executive clemency had been out of jail or prison for at least five years and are no longer on probation or any other type of supervision. Lee called the process of granting executive clemency a “very serious responsibility” that’s “unique to the role of the governor.”
“After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 43 individuals executive clemency,” Lee said. “Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process. “
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Lee clarified that his actions differ from the commutations announced by President Joe Biden earlier this week; Lee said the people he granted clemency have invested back into the community. All executive clemency decisions are made in consultation with the Tennessee Board of Parole , which issues non-binding recommendations for each case…