Attorney General Larry Long has issued his opinion on the question regarding whether all pardons filed in the secretary of state's office are required to be sealed. The attorney general's opinion indicates there are four avenues for seeking a pardon. Pardons issued at the conclusion of three of those avenues must be sealed under state law. Pardons issued under the other avenue can not be sealed even if the pardon contains an order for it to be sealed.

As Secretary of State, I do not have information in my office to determine which avenue was used by each of the individuals who have been granted a pardon. Therefore I do not have information prepared as to which pardons must remain sealed and which are considered public record. I will be working with the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine which records can become public.

At this time I do not know how long it will take to make this determination but I will make every attempt to move this along rapidly. If you have any further questions, I may be contacted at 773-3537.